Garment support structure and casing

ABSTRACT

A garment, such as a bra, may include a frame, support structure, casing and/or housing. The frame may be adapted to fit underneath a wearer&#39;s breasts and partially wrap around her torso. The support structure be coupled to the frame and may include a volumetric cup positioned thereon, which may be a cantilever projection from the frame adapted so that a portion of a wearer&#39;s breasts may be inserted therein. The frame and/or support structure may be encased in a casing. Casing may increase the size of volumetric cup to cover a larger portion of the wearer&#39;s breast. Casing may also provide padding or other mechanisms to increase the comfort of wearing the frame, support structure, and/or casing for the wearer. The casings (one for each side of the wearer) may be housed in a housing that wraps around the wearer&#39;s torso thereby enabling the wearer to wear the garment.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a CONTINUATION application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/630,850 filed on Jun. 22, 2017 entitled “GARMENTSUPPORT STRUCTURE AND CASING”, which is a CONTINUATION-IN-PARTapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/608,973 filed on May30, 2017 entitled “GARMENT FRAME, SUPPORT STRUCTURE, CASING, ANDHOUSING”, which is a NON-PROVISIONAL of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/342,795 filed on May 27, 2016 entitled “SYSTEMS,DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR GARMENT SIZING AND PRODUCTION; aNON-PROVISIONAL application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/385,075 filed on Sep. 8, 2016 entitled “BRASSIERE SUPPORT STRUCTUREWITH CURVED OPENING”; a NON-PROVISIONAL U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/460,036 filed Feb. 16, 2017 entitled “GARMENT FRAMEAND CASING”; a NON-PROVISIONAL application of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/506,516 filed on May 15, 2017 entitled “GARMENTCLOSURE MECHANISM”; a NON-PROVISIONAL application of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/507,183 filed on May 16, 2017 entitled“SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A BRA SIZE FOR A WEARER”;a NON-PROVISIONAL application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/510,527 filed on May 24, 2017 entitled “BRA COMPONENTS, CASEMENT, ANDHOUSING”; and a NON-PROVISIONAL application of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/510,720 filed on May 24, 2017 entitled “BRACOMPONENTS, CASEMENT, AND HOUSING”. This application is also aNON-PROVISIONAL application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/353,392 filed on Jun. 22, 2016 entitled “SUPPORT BUSTIER GARMENT”,all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their respectiveentireties.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of apparel and, morespecifically to systems, devices, and methods for garment sizing andproduction. The garment may be a bra, or a similar garment, configuredto reposition a portion of a volume of a wearer's breast or breasts andsupport a portion of a weight of the wearer's respective breast whenworn by the wearer by, for example, redirecting the weight to thewearer's torso by, for example, providing a cantilever projection uponwhich the breast weight may be positioned.

BACKGROUND

Brassieres have been used for lifting and shaping the breasts forapproximately 100 years. Brassieres (and other related garments, such asunderwire swimwear tops) are typically manufactured using two U-shapedmetal components or “under wires,” which serve to create a roundedhousing for each breast. The underwire also serves to create a uniformshape in accordance with a fashionable silhouette. The underwire isconventionally a flat U-shape, and does not conform to the curveddimensions of the wearer's rib cage. Thus, the underwire brassiere inits traditional form frequently creates areas of poking and rubbing atthe ends of the wire (between breasts and in underarm areas), as well aspinching at the lowermost point of the underwire (at the bottom of thebreast, directly under the nipple) where the underwire pushes into theribs. The larger the breasts, the more significant these pressure pointstend to be. Seams and fabric casements, which serve to hold theunderwire in place, can further exacerbate the pinching and rubbing ofthe wire against the skin and ribs.

The underwire casement of traditional brassieres typically attaches tothree straps. The primary back strap attaches laterally around the ribcage, in most cases fastening in the rear near the spine. The twoshoulder straps attach to the underwire casement in the front and to thelateral strap in the rear. The two shoulder straps run over the belly ofthe trapezius muscles and support the weight of the breasts againstthese muscles of the neck and shoulders (primarily the trapezius andlevator scapulae muscles). In this way, the force of the lifted breasteffectively hangs from the neck and shoulders.

In typical brassiere construction, and especially in larger breastedwearers, all three straps typically create discomfort for the wearer. Tosupport the load of the breast tissue, conventional shoulder straps pushdown on the trapezius muscles, which in turn forces the head forward andthe spine out of proper postural alignment. This misalignment frequentlyresults in tension in the head, neck and shoulders that is directlylinked to wearing a conventional bra. This pressure on the trapeziusmuscles is made visible in the surface indentations frequently leftbehind in the shoulders of brassiere wearers. Further, theseindentations frequently become permanent after years of continuedbrassiere wear. The effects can also be seen in the slouched or hunchedspinal posture of large-breasted, brassiere-wearing women.

In addition, if the primary back strap is fitted tightly enough to thetorso such to relieve some of the pressure from the shoulder straps,then the pressure of the underwire casement against the body (and therubbing and pinching related to the casement) in turn increases. In thecase of brassiere garments where the shoulder straps have been removedentirely (i.e. “strapless” brassieres), the garment typically slidesdown the torso over time, moving out of its intended placement andflattening the profile of the breasts, with aesthetically displeasingresults. The result is that wearers are forced to frequently tug thegarment back into place, undermining the intention of the wearer for thestate of their undergarment to remain private. (Imagine, by way ofexample, a bride with a strapless dress and strapless brassiere, whichbegins to fall down during her wedding ceremony. To remain modest andavoid embarrassment, she has no choice but to tug her undergarment backinto place, thus revealing the state of her undergarment slippage to anywho are observing her.)

In addition, underwire-alternative brassieres that possess rigid regionsor thick seams directly beneath the breast fail to provide a comfortablealternative because of resulting pressure on the top of the abdominalcavity when the wearer sits or otherwise bends at the waist.

In summary, the traditional construction of the bra brings with it a setof specific design features that are inherently linked to chafing,rubbing, poking, and pinching of the skin; tension and pain in themuscles of the wearer; and pressure or compression of the upperabdominal cavity.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to, among other things, a garment suchas a bra, sports bra, compression bra, bralette, corset, bustier,camisole, swimsuit, sports top, shirt, and dress and components thereof.The garment may include a frame, support structure, casing and/orhousing.

Exemplary support structures include a frame and a volumetric cupportion. The frame may be shaped to approximate a circumferentialcurvature of a wearer's torso in a horizontal plane proximate to aninframammary fold of the wearer. In some instances, a portion of theframe may be adapted for positioning under a wearer's breast proximateto the wearer's inframammary fold. In some embodiments, the frame mayinclude a wrap-around portion and an outer edge of the wrap-aroundportion may be adapted to correspond to a position on a wearer near avertical midline separating an anterior portion (i.e., front) of thewearer from a posterior portion (i.e., back) of the wearer.Additionally, or alternatively, an outer edge of the wrap-around portionmay be adapted to correspond to a posterior of a wearer when the frameis worn.

The volumetric cup portion may extend from an upper edge of the frame asa cantilever projection. The volumetric cup portion may have asphere-like and/or parabolic-like shape and may be adapted to acceptinsertion of a portion of a wearer's breast therein. In someembodiments, a width of the volumetric cup portion is larger on a firstside of the volumetric cup portion than on a second side of thevolumetric cup portion.

In some embodiments, a portion of an upper edge of the frame may beshaped to approximate a shape of a wearer's inframammary fold.Additionally, or alternatively, a border between the volumetric cupportion and the frame may be shaped to approximate a shape of a wearer'sinframammary fold. Additionally, or alternatively, the frame may includean under-bust portion and, in some instances, an upper edge of theunder-bust portion may be curved in a manner approximating a curvatureof a wearer's inframammary fold.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the volumetric cup portion isgreater at a border between the volumetric cup portion and the framethan at an upper edge of the volumetric cup portion. Additionally, oralternatively, a thickness of the volumetric cup portion is greater on afirst side than on a second side.

In some circumstances, an upper edge of the volumetric cup portion maybe irregularly shaped. Additionally, or alternatively, an upper edge ofthe volumetric cup portion may include a first curved upper edge and asecond curved upper edge.

In some embodiments, the frame includes an intermammary-cleft portionadapted to be proximate to an intermammary cleft of a wearer when wornby the wearer, an under-bust portion, and a wrap-around portion. Theunder-bust portion may include a first side that extends from theintermammary-cleft portion. The under-bust portion may be adapted to beproximate to an under-bust region of the wearer when it, or a garmentincluding the support structure, is worn by the wearer. The wrap-aroundportion extending from a second side of the under-bust portion and maybe adapted to be proximate to a lateral side of the wearer's torso whenworn by the wearer. In some embodiments, an outer edge of thewrap-around portion may be adapted to be proximate to a side verticalmidline of the wearer when worn by the wearer, the side vertical midlineextending through a center of the wearer's torso as viewed from the sideand bisecting an anterior and a posterior of the wearer.

In some instances, the support structure is adapted for inclusion in acasing. On occasions, the casing may be adapted for inclusion in ahousing. In many embodiments, a shape of the support structure isself-supporting.

Systems disclosed herein may include a support structure as discussedabove and below and a casing. The may also include a housing adapted tohouse the casing and/or a closure mechanism positioned between a firstcasing and a second casing. The closure mechanism may facilitate theopening and closing of a garment including the system to facilitatewearing and removal of the garment.

The frame may be adapted to fit underneath a wearer's breasts andpartially wrap around her torso. In most cases, the frame does notinclude a volumetric, or breast, cup. The support structure be coupledto the frame and may include a volumetric, or breast, cup positionedthereon. The volumetric cup may be a cantilever projection from theframe adapted so that a portion of a wearer's breasts may be insertedtherein. In most cases, the volumetric cup will not completely cover thewearer's breast. The frame and/or support structure may be encased orenclosed in a casing. Casing may server to increase the size ofvolumetric cup to cover a larger portion of the wearer's breast. Casingmay also provide padding or other mechanisms to increase the comfort ofwearing the frame and/or casing for the wearer. The casings (one foreach side of the wearer) may be housed in a housing that wraps aroundthe wearer's torso thereby enabling the wearer to wear the garment.

The frame, may include an under-bust band shaped so as to approximate acurvature in a horizontal plane of a wearer's torso proximate to aninframammary fold of the wearer. In some embodiments, a portion of theunder bust band is adapted for positioning under a wearer's breastproximate to the wearer's inframammary fold. The shape of the under-bustband may be self-supporting.

In some embodiments, the under bust band may include anintermammary-cleft portion, an under-bust portion, and a wrap-aroundportion. The intermammary-cleft portion may be adapted to be proximateto an intermammary cleft of a wearer when worn by the wearer. A firstside of the under-bust portion may be connected to theintermammary-cleft portion and adapted to be proximate to an under-bustregion of the wearer when worn by the wearer. The wrap-around portionmay be connected to a second side of the under-bust portion and adaptedto be proximate to a lateral side of the wearer's torso. On someoccasions, the wrap-around portion may have an outer edge adapted to beproximate to a side vertical midline of the wearer when worn by thewearer, the side vertical midline extending through a center of thewearer's torso as viewed from the side and bisecting an anterior and aposterior of the wearer.

In some embodiments, the under-bust band may include a wrap-aroundportion, the wrap-around portion may be adapted to correspond to aposition on a wearer at or near a vertical midline separating ananterior portion of the wearer from a posterior portion of the wearer.

In another embodiment, the under-bust band may include a wrap-aroundportion, the wrap-around portion may be adapted to correspond to aposition on a wearer beyond a vertical midline separating an anteriorportion of the wearer from a posterior portion of the wearer.

In further embodiment, the under-bust band may include a wrap-aroundportion, the wrap-around portion may be curved so as to approximate acurvature of a wearer's torso along a horizontal plane extendingapproximately from a sagittal plane center midline of a wearer to afrontal plane reference line of the wearer.

In yet another embodiment, the under-bust band may include a wrap-aroundportion, the wrap-around portion may be curved so as to approximate acurvature of a wearer's torso along a horizontal plane extendingapproximately from a sagittal plane center midline of the wearer througha frontal plane reference line of the wearer and around a posteriorportion of the wearer when the frame is worn.

In some instances, the under-bust band may include an under-bustportion, an upper edge of the under-bust portion may be curved so as toaccept a portion of a wearer's breast inserted therein when worn by thewearer.

In one embodiment, the under-bust band may include an under-bustportion, an upper edge of the under-bust portion may be curved so as toapproximate a curvature of a wearer's inframammary fold.

In some instances, the frame may be adapted for inclusion in a casingand/or housing. At times, the frame may be adapted for inclusion in acasing and the casing is adapted for inclusion in a housing.

In yet another embodiment, the under-bust band may include an under-bustportion adapted to be proximate to an under-bust region of a wearer whenworn by the wearer and a cantilever projection, the cantileverprojection extending outward from a portion of an upper edge of theunder-bust portion. The cantilever projection may be part of avolumetric cup included within a support structure. A width of thecantilever projection is larger on a first side of the cantileverprojection than a width of the cantilever projection on a second side ofthe cantilever projection.

In a still further embodiment, the under-bust band may include acantilever projection that extends outward from a portion of an upperedge of the band. In some instances, an upper edge of the band and maybe curved so as to approximate a wearer's inframammary fold. At times,the cantilever projection may be shaped, sized, and positioned so as toaccept a portion of a wearer's breast when worn.

The present invention may also include a system comprising a frame and acasing. The frame may include an under-bust band shaped so as toapproximate a curvature of a wearer's torso proximate to an inframammaryfold of the wearer and adapted for positioning under a wearer's breastat the inframammary fold and the casing may encase the frame. At times,the casing may include a volumetric cup shaped, sized, and positioned soas to accept a portion of a wearer's breast when worn.

In some embodiments, the frame of the system may further include acantilever projection, the cantilever projection extending from aportion of an upper edge of the band, the cantilever projection may beshaped, sized, and positioned so as to accept a portion of a wearer'sbreast when worn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present application is illustrated by way of example, and notlimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary system, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary wearer/user device and/orsizing computer system in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A-2C, 3-4, 5A-5B, 6-11 provide flowcharts illustrating exemplaryprocesses in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A-12C provide illustrations of wearer who is not wearingclothes;

FIGS. 13A-13E provide illustrations of a user taking a measurement of awearer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-14D provide drawings of an exemplary frame as viewed from thefront, a first side, a second side, and bottom, respectively inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A-15D provide illustrations four exemplary ellipse-like shapesand corresponding sizing arcs in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 16A-16G provide illustrations of sizing arc sets in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 17A-17C provide illustrations of wearer wearing an exemplary framein accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 18A-18F provide front, back, outside, inside, top, and bottomviews, respectively, of an exemplary support structure in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A and 19B provide illustrations of wearer wearing an exemplarysupport structure in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 20A-20C provide illustrations of wearer wearing another exemplarysupport structure in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 21A-21B, 22A-22B, 23A-23B, 24A-24B, 25A-25B, and 26A-26C providesillustrations of a variety of exemplary support structures in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 27A-27F provide illustrations of an exemplary casing in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 provides illustrations of another exemplary casing in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 29A-29F provide illustrations of exemplary systems that include acasing with an exemplary support structure encased therein in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 30A-30C provide illustrations of wearer wearing a set of casingsin accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 31A and 31B provide illustrations of an exemplary system includinga support structure in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 32A and 32B provide illustrations of a front plan view and a sideview, respectively, of an exemplary system in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 33A and 33B provide illustrations of a front plan view and a sideview, respectively, of an exemplary system 3300 in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 34A-34H provide illustrations of an exemplary housing inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 35A-35G provide illustrations of exemplary support structures inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters,unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements,support structures, or portions of the illustrated embodiments.Moreover, while the subject invention will now be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, the description is done in connectionwith the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes andmodifications can be made to the described embodiments without departingfrom the true scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined bythe appended claims.

Written Description

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a frame, support structure,casing, and housing designed as, and/or for inclusion in and/or with, agarment, such as a bra, sports bra, compression bra, corset, bustier,camisole, swimsuit, sports top, shirt, and dress. Also, disclosed hereinare methods and processes for determining a size (e.g., according to asecond sizing convention and/or a personalized size) of a garment, orbra, that is appropriate for a wearer, determining dimensions or otheraspects of features for the frame, support structure, casing and/orhousing for the production or manufacture of same, and systems andcomponents for executing these processes.

The frames and support structures disclosed herein may providestructural support for the garments and may be sufficiently rigid so asto shape breast tissue inserted therein into a desired silhouette andmaintain that shape/silhouette while being worn by the wearer. Theframes and support structures disclosed herein may also be sufficientlyrigid to support the weight of breast tissue received therein andredirect that weight to the wearer's torso or, more particularly, to aportion of the wearer's torso at, near, or surrounding her inframammaryfolds (i.e., around the circumference of her torso (e.g., her side orback)). As used herein, the terms breast and breast tissue refer to awearer's natural breasts, breast implants, and/or prosthetic breasts.

The frames and support structures disclosed herein may, in someinstances, be encased (e.g., partially, or wholly, surrounded) by acasing, a housing, and/or a portion thereof. In other instances, theframes and/or support structures disclosed herein may be inserted into,and/or positioned on, a casing and/or housing and/or a portion thereof.The casings may be adapted for inclusion in housings, garments, bras,sports bras, compression bras, corsets, bustiers, camisoles, swimsuits,sports tops, shirts, and dresses, and may, in some instances, form aportion of a breast cup, or breast covering, for these garments.

In some instances, the frames, support structures, casings, and/orhousings disclosed herein work together to provide breast weight supportand/or bear the load of the wearer's breast weight and redistribute itaround, for example, 180°-360° of the wearer's torso (at, or near, ahorizontal reference line connecting the bottoms of the wearer'sinframammary folds) typically without the use of shoulder straps.However, none of the frames, support structures, casings and/or housingspreclude the use of one or more shoulder straps. In this way, theframes, support structures, casings, and/or housings disclosed hereinsupport the breast weight from portions of the wearer's torso located ather sides (i.e., the sides of her torso underneath her arms) andunderneath the wearer's breasts. In various embodiments, the frames,support structures, casings, and housings and/or features thereofdisclosed herein may be interchangeable with one another.

In most embodiments, the frames, support structures, casings, and/orhousings disclosed herein and, in particular, a lower edge thereof, willbe arc shaped in a manner that approximates a shape of a circumferenceof the wearer's torso at, or near, a horizontal reference lineconnecting the bottoms of the wearer's inframammary folds and, in someinstances, above and/or below that horizontal reference line. Theframes, support structures, casings, and/or housings will maintain thisarc shape even in the absence of outside force so that, for example,breast weight, or load, may be transferred to the wearer's torso by wayof a self-supporting cantilever projection, or shelf, that is supportedby a portion of the arc-shaped frames, support structures, casings,and/or housings that wrap around a portion of the wearer'scircumference.

The frames, support structures, casings, and housings disclosed hereinmay be made using any appropriate process including, but not limited to,stamping, press molding, thermal molding, injection molding, 3Dprinting, spray fabric, sewing, and the like. In some instances, frames,support structures, casings, and housings disclosed herein may be madevia thermal molding using aluminum, steel, and/or synthetic molds. Insome embodiments, the frames, support structures, casings, and housingsmay be co-manufactured (i.e., all made from the same material and/or atthe same time) as may be possible using a 3D printing process. In otherembodiments, one or more of the frames, support structures, casings, andhousings and/or components thereof may be separately manufactured andthen assembled using any appropriate manner of assembly including, butnot limited to, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, chemical bonding,sewing, and the like. Also, the term “support” as used herein may referto a weight or mass bearing capability or an ability to support (i.e.,hold up) a load, typically in the form of breast weight. In manyinstances, this support is facilitated by way of a cantilever projectionfrom, for example, a frame, support structure, and/or a portion of acasing and/or housing corresponding to the frame.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting anexemplary garment sizing and production system 100 that may be used toproduce or manufacture a frame, support structure, casing, and/orhousing as described herein. System 100 may also be used to determine awearer's frame, support structure, casing, and/or housing size and/or asize of a garment incorporating a frame, support structure, casingand/or housing that would be appropriate for the wearer.

System 100 includes a plurality of measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N.Measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N may be used to take and/ordetermine one or more measurements of an individual (also referred toherein as a “wearer”) and/or capture information that is used todetermine a dimension of the individual and/or a size for a garment wornby the individual. Exemplary measurement devices include a camera, acamera capable of capturing three-dimensional (3D) images, a manual tapemeasure, a scale, a ruler, and a processor adapted to determine ameasurement based on, for example, an image, or some combinationthereof.

In some instances, two or more measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N maybe arranged in an array to capture image(s) and/or measurements of anindividual from a plurality of viewpoints and/or angles. For example, anarray of four measurement/sizing devices 110A-110Ns may be arranged atthe four corners of a planar square configuration to capture images ofthe top left, bottom left, top right, and bottom right sides of anindividual's torso. The planar square configuration may be orientedperpendicularly to the wearer.

Measurements taken by measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N may bestand-alone and/or relational measurements. Stand-alone measurements aremeasurements of a body dimension that are not related to another bodylandmark or dimension. Exemplary stand-alone measurements are height,weight, and chest/torso circumference. Stand-alone measurements may alsodetermine a radius of curvature, a mass, and/or a volume of, forexample, a torso, a breast, and/or a pair of breasts. Relationalmeasurements are measurements of body dimensions made in relation to oneanother. Exemplary relational measurements include a distance betweentwo breasts (i.e., inter-breast distance), a distance between twonipples, a distance between a clavicle and an axilla (armpit), and adistance between an axilla and a nipple.

In some instances, the measurements taken by one or moremeasurement/sizing devices 110A-110Ns may be used to determine a shape,or contour, of a body part or exterior surface of the individual. Forexample, one or more three-dimensional image(s) captured by one or moremeasurement/sizing devices 110A-110N(s) may be analyzed to determine acurvature of an exterior surface of a torso to determine relationshipsbetween the front, side, and back of the body so that a shape (not justa circumference) of the individual may be determined. In anotherexample, one or more three-dimensional image(s) captured by one or moremeasurement/sizing devices 110A-110N(s) may be analyzed to determine abreast shape and/or a placement position on a torso of an individual.

In some cases, an individual (e.g., a wearer) may enter measurement data(e.g., height, weight, traditional bra size, etc.) directly into system100 via wearer/user device 115. Additionally, or alternatively, anotherindividual (e.g., a person measuring the individual or sales person),who may be referred to herein as a “user” may enter one or moremeasurements into wearer/user device 115. Exemplary measurements takenvia a physical, or manual, measurement/sizing device(s) 110A-110Ninclude a chest circumference or relational dimensions between two ormore body reference points. Exemplary tools for taking manualmeasurements include, but are not limited to, measuring tapes, scales,and volumetric measuring devices, such as a series of differently sizedcones or other curved bra-cup-like objects that may be placed overbreast tissue to measure the volume and/or shape of the breast tissue.In some cases, the individual (or someone on the individual's behalf)may enter data regarding, for example, breast shape, size, and placementon the torso via wearer/user device 115. In some embodiments, theindividual may enter this information via answers to a series ofquestions provided to the individual via wearer/user device 115.

In some embodiments, measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N may be able tocapture coloration and/or other pigmentation information regarding theindividual. For example, one or more measurement/sizing devices110A-110N may be accompanied with a set of standard pigmentation orcoloration samples that may be used to determine a coloration orpigmentation of the individual via, for example, a correlation process.Additionally, or alternatively, an image of the wearer may be analyzedby, for example, a measurement/sizing device 110A-110N, wearer/userdevice 115, and/or sizing computer system 140 to determine skin tone ofthe wearer and/or a color or pattern that may match the wearer and/or apreference of the wearer.

In some instances, measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N and wearer/userdevice 115 may be resident in the same location, such as a shop orretail establishment, while in other instances one or moremeasurement/sizing devices 110A-110N and/or wearer/user device 115 maybe resident in different locations as may be the case where wearer/userdevice 115 is a software application (i.e., an app) running on, forexample, the individual's smart phone or computer. In some cases, one ormore measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N may also be owned/operated bythe individual as may be the case when the individual measures herselfvia, e.g., a scale or captures images via a camera (2D and/or 3D).

Measurement/sizing data and other information about an individual may becommunicated to a wearer/user device 115 and/or a sizing system 140 viaa communication network 120. Communication network 120 may be a wiredand/or wireless communication network and, in some instances, may becoupled to the Internet and/or cloud-computing storage devices. Sizingsystem 140 may be a computer system configured to receive measurementand/or sizing data from measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N and/orwearer/user device 115 and execute one or more processes 200-1100described herein.

Data storage device 130 may be one or more individual data storagedevices and/or an array of data storage devices. Data storage device 130may store measurement and sizing data for a plurality ofindividuals/wearers as well as sizing information. In some embodiments,this stored data may be associated with a wearer account associated withthe wearer and/or user. Data storage device 130 may also store one ormore sets of instructions for execution by one or more components ofsystem 100 (e.g., measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N, wearer userdevice 115, sizing computer system 140, and/or a production system 150).

Production system 150 may be any system enabled to produce a physicalgarment, or a component thereof (e.g., a frame, support structure,casing and/or housing), including, but not limited to, a 3D printer,compression molding equipment, a sewing machine, injection moldingequipment, stamping equipment, and so on. In most cases, productionsystem 150 will be an automated, or semi-automated, system and mayinclude one or more components. For example, when a component ofproduction system 150 is a 3D printer, production system 150 may includethe 3D printer and a computer or processor capable of providinginstructions to the 3D printer regarding what to print and how to printit. The computer/processor of this production system 150 may also becapable of converting information (e.g., dimensions, sizes, materialthicknesses, garment sizes, etc.) into a set of instructions usable bythe 3D printer to print/make a frame, support structure, casing and/orhousing and/or a component thereof.

In another embodiment, production system 150 may be an injection moldingsystem that may, or may not, include a system for designing and/ormanufacturing one or more injection molds or dies. For embodiments whereproduction system 150 also includes a system for designing and/ormanufacturing one or more injection molds or dies, production system 150may also include mold/die manufacturing equipment and materials as wellas a computer or processor capable of providing instructions to themold/die manufacturing equipment regarding how to manufacture themold/die. Likewise, when production system 150 is stamp or pressingequipment, the production system 150 may include a system for designingand/or manufacturing stamps or compression equipment as well as acomputer or processor capable of providing instructions to thestamp/compression system to manufacture the stamps and/or compressionequipment.

In some instances, sizing system 140 may provide instructions toproduction system 150 regarding how to produce one or more components ofa garment including a frame, support structure, casing and/or housing aswill be discussed in greater detail below with regard to, for example,FIGS. 12A-34H. In some instances, data, measurements, or otherinformation needed to provide (by wearer/user device 115 and/or sizingcomputer system 140) and/or execute (by production system 150) theseinstructions may be provided by data storage device 130 and/or secondsizing convention database 135 responsively to, for example, a requestfrom, for example, wearer/user device 115, sizing computer system 140,and/or production system 150.

System 100 may also include a first sizing convention and brabrand/manufacturer database 125 and a second sizing convention database135 both of which are communicatively coupled to communication network120, sizing computer system 140, and/or wearer/user device 115 (via,e.g., communication network 120). First sizing convention and brabrand/manufacturer database 125 may store data regardingindustry-standard bra sizing convention(s) based on, in most instances,torso circumference and bra cup size (e.g., 34C or 40DD) and parameters(e.g., measurements values or ranges of measurement values) associatedtherewith. In some instances, first sizing convention and brabrand/manufacturer database 125 may also include information regardingparameters (e.g., measurements values or ranges of measurement values)used for small, medium, large, and extra-large bras as may beappropriate for sports bras, camisoles, and the like.

First sizing convention and bra brand/manufacturer database 125 may alsostore information regarding parameters for bras and other garmentsincluding, but not limited to, sports bras, compression bras, bralettes,corsets, bustiers, camisoles, swimsuits, sports tops, shirts, anddresses that are used by various bra brands and/or manufacturers for thedesign and production of the respective garment. Exemplary parametersthat may be associated with the various bra brands and/or manufacturersinclude, but are not limited to, bra dimensions, placement of hooks orfasteners, degree of elasticity of materials used, underwire dimensions,commonly used fabrics, and weight. These parameters may be used bysizing computer system 140 and/or wearer/user device 115 to, forexample, determine dimensions of a bra a wearer is wearing beyond thoseprovided by the “size” of the bra according to the first sizingconvention (e.g., a 34C or 40DD).

Second sizing convention database 135 may store information regarding asecond sizing convention for bras and other garments including, but notlimited to, sports bras, compression bras, bralettes, corsets, bustiers,camisoles, swimsuits, sports tops, shirts, and dresses. The secondsizing convention database 135 may store information regarding, forexample, a set of second sizing convention sizes and how these secondsizing convention sizes match/correlate to various parameters associatedwith, for example, objective and subjective measurements/determinationsof a plurality of wearers, evaluations of anatomical measurements of theplurality of wearers and information regarding how bras made/sizedaccording to the first sizing convention fit. Additionally, oralternatively, second sizing convention database 135 stores informationregarding how to match/correlate information about a wearer (e.g.,measurements, bra size according to the first sizing convention,preferences, indications, etc.) with a wearer's size according to thesecond sizing convention by storing a set of parameters for each sizewithin the second sizing convention along with instructions (that may beexecuted by sizing computer system 140 and/or wearer/user device 115)regarding how to match information received in the form of, for example,measurements, subjective judgements regarding how bras sized accordingto the first sizing convention fit the wearer and whether or not theyare comfortable to the wearer to a second sizing convention size.

In some embodiments, wearer/user device 115 may act as a terminalfacilitating communication (e.g., providing prompts or questions and/orreceiving indications and/or answers) between a wearer and/or user andthe sizing computer system 140. Additionally, or alternatively,wearer/user device 115 may execute instructions for one or more of theprocesses described herein without the direct assistance of sizingcomputer system 140. This may be facilitated by, for example, adownloading of instructions and/or data (provided by, for example, firstsizing convention and bra brand/manufacturer database 125 and/or secondsizing convention database 135) by a software application running on thewearer/user device 115 and/or communication between wearer/user device115 and sizing computer system 140. In some instances, some, or all, ofthe downloading of information and/or instructions between wearer/userdevice 115 and sizing computer system 140 may be performed as abackground process. In this way, some of the processes described hereinmay be executed partially or fully by the wearer/user device 115.Additionally, or alternatively, wearer/user device 115 may communicatewith sizing computer system 140 to provide data (e.g., wearer sizing orpreference data) thereto and/or receive information (e.g., updatedinstructions, new bra or garment option to provide, etc.) therefrom.

FIG. 1B depicts components of an exemplary wearer/user device 115 and/orsizing computer system 140 in which computer readable instructionsinstantiating the methods of the present invention may be stored andexecuted. As is apparent from the discussion herein, aspects of thepresent invention involve the use of various computer systems andcomputer readable storage media having computer-readable instructionsstored thereon. FIG. 1B provides an example of a system that may berepresentative of any of the computing systems (e.g., wearer/user device115 and/or sizing system 140) discussed herein. Examples of wearer/userdevice 115 and/or sizing system 140 may include a smartphone, a desktop,a laptop, a mainframe computer, an embedded system, etc. Note, not allof the various computer systems have all of the features of wearer/userdevice 115 and/or sizing system 140. For example, certain ones of thecomputer systems discussed above may not include a display inasmuch asthe display function may be provided by a client computercommunicatively coupled to the computer system or a display function maybe unnecessary. Such details are not critical to the present invention.

Wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing system 140 includes a bus 155 orother communication mechanism for communicating information, and aprocessor 158 coupled with the bus 155 for processing information.Wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing system 140 also includes a mainmemory 162, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamicstorage device, coupled to the bus 155 for storing information andinstructions to be executed by processor 158. Main memory 162 also maybe used for storing temporary variables or other intermediateinformation during execution of instructions to be executed by processor158. Wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing system 140 further includes aread only memory (ROM) 164 or other static storage device coupled to thebus 155 for storing static information and instructions for theprocessor 158. A storage device 166, for example a hard disk, flashmemory-based storage medium, or other storage medium from whichprocessor 158 can read, is provided and coupled to the bus 155 forstoring information and instructions (e.g., operating systems,applications programs and the like).

Wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing system 140 may be coupled via thebus 155 to a display 168, such as a flat panel display, for displayinginformation to a computer user/wearer. An input device 170, such as akeyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupled to thebus 155 for communicating information and command selections to theprocessor 158. Another type of user input device is cursor controldevice 172, such as a mouse, a track pad, or similar input device forcommunicating direction information and command selections to processor158 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 168. Other userinterface devices, such as microphones, speakers, etc. are not shown indetail but may be involved with the receipt of user input and/orpresentation of output.

The processes referred to herein may be implemented, partially orwholly, by processor 158 executing appropriate sequences ofcomputer-readable instructions contained in main memory 162. Suchinstructions may be read into main memory 162 from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as storage device 166, and execution ofthe sequences of instructions contained in the main memory 162 causesthe processor 158 to perform the associated actions. In alternativeembodiments, hard-wired circuitry or firmware-controlled processingunits may be used in place of, or in combination with, processor 158 andits associated computer software instructions to implement theinvention. The computer-readable instructions may be rendered in anycomputer language.

In general, all of the above process descriptions are meant to encompassany series of logical steps performed in a sequence to accomplish agiven purpose, which is the hallmark of any computer-executableapplication. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it should beappreciated that throughout the description of the present invention,use of terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “calculating”,“determining”, “displaying”, “receiving”, “transmitting” or the like,refer to the action and processes of an appropriately programmedcomputer system, such as wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing system 140or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transformsdata represented as physical (electronic) quantities within itsregisters and memories into other data similarly represented as physicalquantities within its memories or registers or other such informationstorage, transmission or display devices.

Wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing system 140 also includes acommunication interface 160 coupled to the bus 155. Communicationinterface 160 may provide a two-way data communication channel with acomputer network, which provides connectivity to, and among, the variouscomputer systems discussed above. For example, communication interface160 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a datacommunication connection to a compatible LAN, which itself iscommunicatively coupled to the Internet through one or more Internetservice provider networks. The precise details of such communicationpaths are not critical to the present invention. What is important isthat wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing system 140 can send andreceive messages and data through the communication interface 160 and inthat way, communicate with hosts accessible via the Internet. It isnoted that the components of wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing system140 may be located in a single device or located in a plurality ofphysically and/or geographically distributed devices.

FIGS. 2A-2C provide flowcharts depicting an exemplary process 200 ofdetermining a wearer's garment size according to a second sizingconvention. The wearer may be, a male but, in most instances, will befemale and, on some occasions, may be referred to herein as anindividual. An exemplary wearer 10, is depicted and discussed below withregard to FIGS. 12A-12C. For the purposes of the discussion of process200, the garment is a bra although a person of skill in the art willreadily recognize that process 200 may be used to determine a wearer'ssize for a variety of garments including, but not limited to, sportsbras, compression bras, bralettes, corsets, bustiers, camisoles,swimsuits, sports tops, shirts, dresses, and the like. Process 200 isexecuted by a computer or processor and some, or all, of process 200 maybe executed by a system, such as system 100, or a component thereof suchas sizing computer system 140, one or more measurement devices110A-110N, and/or wearer/user device 115. In some instances, some orall, of the information received during process 200 is received from thewearer herself while, in other instances, another individual, referredto herein as a “user” may assist with, for example, providing requestedinformation (e.g., the taking of measurements) and provision of themeasurements to system 100, sizing computer system 140, and/orwearer/user device 115. Exemplary users include sales people, brafitters, friends, and/or family of the wearer.

Initially, in step 202, an indication that a wearer would like to besized according to a second sizing convention may be received by, forexample, wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing computer system 140. Then,provision of a prompt to provide an indication of the wearer's currentbra/garment size according to a first sizing convention may befacilitated by, for example, wearer/user device 115 (step 204). Thefirst sizing convention may be, for example, the industry-standard brasizing convention, which provides a torso circumferential numericalvalue (e.g., 28, 29, 30, etc.) and a breast-cup value (e.g., A, B, C, D,DD, etc.). In many instances, the prompt of step 204 may include aprompt for regarding a size of the wearer's favorite/most comfortablebra. In step 206, an indication of wearer's bra size according to thefirst sizing convention may be received.

Next, provision of one or more prompts regarding a series of one or morequestions, evaluations, and/or preferences for/of the wearer may befacilitated via, for example, wearer/user device 115 and/or sizingcomputer system 140. In many embodiments, the prompts may be provided tothe wearer and/or user via a user interface including, but not limitedto, a display screen, a touch responsive interface, a keyboard, aspeaker, and a microphone like the display 168, keyboard, 170, mouse 172and/or communication interface 160 of wearer/user device 115. At times,provision of the prompts may be facilitated by a software applicationrunning on the wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing computer system 140.

In some instances, the prompts may be provided in the form ofopen-ended, multiple choice, or true/false questions and may beaccompanied by, for example, text entry fields, selectable answers,images, and so on to facilitate receipt of an answer to the promptand/or question. Additionally, or alternatively, the prompts may includebackground information, instructions, or other materials (e.g., links(e.g., hyperlinks) to further information, images, etc.) that mayfacilitate the user's and/or the wearer's understanding of a promptand/or how to respond to a prompt.

Additionally, or alternatively, indications or other information (e.g.,measurement values) received responsively to the prompts providedthroughout execution of process 200 may be received via, for example,user and/or wearer's interactions with the user interface of wearer/userdevice 115, sizing computer system, or another device providing theprompts.

Substance of the prompts may provide questions and/or requests forinformation that may be objective or subjective in nature. Exemplaryobjective questions/requests may relate to measurement values andexemplary subjective questions/requests may relate to wearer preferenceor satisfaction with bras she's worn in the past and, in particular, herfavorite or most comfortable bra. The following discussion of steps208-248 provides examples of the prompts that may be provided to thewearer. Responses to the prompts may be received from the wearer and/ora user in assisting the wearer via, for example, wearer/user device 115and/or a measurement/sizing device 110A-110N. In some embodiments, notall of step 208-248 may be performed. Additionally, or alternatively,one or more of steps 208-248 may be executed in an order not shown inFIGS. 2A-2C. Because many of these steps are not cumulative, they may beperformed out of order.

In step 208, provision of a prompt to provide an indication of thewearer's preferred brand and/or manufacturer of bras may be facilitated.Often times, this prompt will request the wearer to provide the brand ofher favorite bra which, in a preferred embodiment, corresponds to thebra size according to the first sizing convention received in step 206.In some instances, the prompt provided in step 208 may include asking anopen-ended question (e.g., “what is your favorite brand”) and/orproviding a listing of available bra brands and/or manufacturers fromwhich the wearer may choose. Then, in step 210, an indication of thewearer's preferred brand of bra and/or manufacturer may be received.

In step 212, provision of a prompt to provide an indication of thewearer's bra cup coverage preference may be facilitated. In someinstances, the prompt provided in step 212 may include providing animage of various options for bra cup coverage along with a mechanism bywhich the wearer may select her preferred amount of bra cup coverage. Inother instances, the prompt provided in step 212 may include providing anumber of options (e.g., full coverage, minimal coverage, low neckline,etc.) from which to choose from. Then, in step 214, an indication of thewearer's bra cup coverage preference may be received.

In step 216, provision of a prompt to provide an indication of thewearer's age may be facilitated. In some instances, the prompt providedin step 216 may include providing an open-ended question (e.g., “how oldare you?” and/or “when is your birthday?”) and/or providing a series ofage ranges (e.g., 20-25 years old, 30-40 years old, and so on) fromwhich the wearer may choose. An indication of the wearer's age may thenbe received in step 218.

Proceeding now to the portion of the flowchart depicting process 200depicted in FIG. 2B, in step 220 it may be determined whethermeasurements of the wearer's anatomy are available. In some embodiments,the determination of step 220 may be responsive to an indicationreceived from the wearer that she is willing to provide measurements ofher anatomy. In other embodiments, the determination of step 220 mayinclude searching a data store such as data storage device 130, todetermine if measurement(s) for the wearer are stored therein or areotherwise available. Additionally, or alternatively, the determinationof step 220 may be responsive to entry of one or more measurements ofthe wearer's anatomy (because entry of such information would indicatethat measurements are available).

When measurements of the wearer's anatomy are not available, provisionof a set of additional questions to the wearer may be facilitated (step222) and answers to one or more of the questions provided in the set ofadditional questions may be received (step 224). Exemplary questionsthat may be included in the additional set of questions include, but arenot limited to, “where does your bra band sit,” “which hook on your backband to you most often use” “what type of fabric is your bra,” and “doesyour bra include lace.” In some instances, these questions may beopen-ended and, in other instances, they may provide one or more answeroptions to choose from.

When measurements of the wearer's anatomy are available, provision of aprompt to provide one or more measurements of the wearer's anatomy maybe facilitated (step 226) and, in step 228, one or more measurements ofthe anatomy of the wearer may be received. Exemplary measurementsinclude, but are not limited to, height, weight, body mass index (BMI),chest circumference, a breast volume measurement, and a back volumemeasurement. In one embodiment, the prompting of step 226 may include arequest for a first, second, and third (or more) measurement of thewearer's anatomy with the first measurement being a breast volumemeasurement, the second measurement being back volume management, andthe third measurement being a torso circumference measurement. Thefirst, second, and/or third measurements may be taken while the weareris wearing clothes (e.g., a bra, camisole, etc.) or is unclothed.

In some instances, the measurement values received in step 228 mayinclude a measurement of a shape and/or size of a wearer's inframammaryfold. This measurement may be taken by, for example, measuring a lengthof the wearer's inframammary fold from for example, a bust root on theoutside of the wearer's breast (e.g., where breast 15A or 15B meetsreference line 40) to the other side of the breast measuring where thebreast blends into the wearer's torso at, or near, her sternum.Additionally, or alternatively, this measurement may be taken bymanually placing a series of sizing arcs that provide differently shapedinframammary folds up against the wearer's inframammary fold todetermine which sizing arc best matches the shape of the wearer'sinframammary fold. Additionally, or alternatively, this measurement maybe taken by providing a series of images, each of which depict adifferently shaped inframammary fold and asking the wearer and/or userto select the image that shows an inframammary fold that best matchesshape of the wearer's inframammary fold.

The first measurement may be a breast volume measurement and maycorrespond to a measurement of a circumference of a front side of awearer's body at, or near, an apex of her breasts. In most cases, thefirst measurement will be a measurement taken from the outside of thewearer's first breast (or her bust root) to an outside of the wearer'ssecond breast along a horizontal line that corresponds to the apex ofher breasts. In some embodiments, the position from which the firstmeasurement is taken corresponds to an intersection of the breast with asecond horizontal reference line 40 (as will be discussed in greaterdetail below with regard to FIG. 12C) on either side of the wearer'sbody/torso. FIGS. 13A and 13B provide images of how a user may take thefirst measurement of a wearer, such as wearer 10, when she is wearing atraditional underwire bra. More specifically, FIG. 13A provides aside-perspective view and FIG. 13B provides a front view of wearer 10wearing a standard bra (preferably her favorite/most comfortable bra)with a first side 1310A and a second side 1310B who is being measured bya user 1350 (whose hands appear in the illustration) taking a breastvolume measurement. The breast volume measurement of FIGS. 13A and 13Bis taken by using a tape measure 1320 to measure the distance betweenthe outermost side of both breasts at a height or near, at, or near, theapex of the breasts along second horizontal reference line 40 asdiscussed below with regard to FIG. 12A. In many instances, theoutermost side of the wearer's breasts will correspond to where thebra's underwire 1315 sits as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. When the weareris not wearing clothes (i.e., a traditional underwire bra), the first,or front volume, measurement may be taken by measuring the distancebetween an intersection of a wearer's first breast and second horizontalreference line 40 (or first bust root), around her back, to anintersection of a wearer's second breast and second horizontal referenceline 40 (or second bust root).

A second measurement of the wearer may correspond to a back volumemeasurement, which may be a measurement of a distance extending from theoutside of the wearer's first breast (or bust root), around her back tothe outside of her second breast as shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D, whereinFIG. 13C provides a side-perspective view of the wearer 10 and FIG. 13Dprovides a back view of the wearer 10 wearing a standard bra who isbeing measured by user 1350 taking a back volume measurement. The backvolume measurement may be taken by using tape measure 1320 to measure adistance between the outermost side of both breasts or under wire 1315around a back of the bra 1325 along a line that is at, or near, the apexof the breasts as shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D. When the wearer is notwearing clothes, the second, or back volume, measurement may be taken bymeasuring the distance between an intersection of a wearer's firstbreast and second horizontal reference line 40 (or first bust root),around her back, to an intersection of a wearer's second breast andsecond horizontal reference line 40 (or second bust root).

A third measurement of the wearer may correspond to a circumference ofthe wearer's torso at, or near her inframammary fold (see e.g.,horizontal reference line 45 as discussed below with regard to FIGS.12A-12C), as shown in FIG. 13E, which provides an illustration of user1350 measuring the circumference of wearer 10 under at her inframammaryfold/under her bra's underwire 1315 with measuring tape 1320.

Although the measurements described above are taken by manuallymeasuring the dimensions of a wearer, a person of skill in the art willrecognize that other measurement methods, or schemes, are covered by themethods disclosed herein. For example, a first, second, and/or third (ormore) measurement(s) may be taken, augmented, and/or confirmed byanalyzing a 3D scan of the wearer's torso and/or breasts, a photographof the wearer's torso or breasts, and/or 3D photograph of the wearer'storso and/or breasts.

Further details relating these measurements, how they may be taken, andhow they may be used are discussed in greater detail below with regardto processes 300, 400, and 500, as depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, and 5B,respectively.

Whether measurements of the wearer's anatomy are available, or not, instep 230 provision of a prompt to provide an indication of the wearer'sbreast shape and/or breast density may be facilitated. In someinstances, the prompt provided in step 230 may include providing animage of various options for breast shape and/or breast tissue densityalong with a mechanism by which the wearer may select her breast shapeand/or breast tissue density. In other instances, the prompt provided instep 230 may include providing a number of options (e.g., high-densitybreast tissue, low-density breast tissue) from which to choose from.Then, in step 232, an indication of the wearer's breast shape and/orbreast tissue density may be received.

In step 234, provision of a prompt to provide one or more indications ofhow the wearer's bra (e.g., favorite bra sized according to the firstsizing convention) fits may be facilitated. In some embodiments,execution of step 234 includes facilitating provision of multipleprompts. As with step 204, the prompt(s) of step 234 may include aprompt for regarding how the wearer's favorite/most comfortable bra fitsand, in some instances, may include a reference to the prompt providedin step 204 so that the bra size according to the first sizingconvention received in step 206 corresponds with the indicationsreceived responsibly to the prompt(s) of step 234. The prompt(s) of step234 may request indications regarding, for example, how the bra strapsof the wearer's favorite bra are adjusted (e.g., “are your bra strapsadjusted all the way out?”), how the bra cups fit/cover the wearer'sbreast volume (e.g., “does your breast tissue expand outside of your bracup?” and/or “are your bra cups loose?”), is your bra painful (e.g., “doyour bra straps or underwire cause you pain?”), and/or how does yourunderwire fit (e.g., “does your underwire press against your torso?”).In step 236 one or more indications of how the wearer's bra fits may bereceived.

In step 238, provision of a prompt to provide an indication of adistance between the wearer's breasts (i.e., inter-breast distance) maybe facilitated. In some instances, the prompt provided in step 238 mayinclude providing an image of various options for inter-breast distancealong with a mechanism by which the wearer may select her inter-breastdistance. In other instances, the prompt provided in step 238 mayinclude providing a question (e.g., “can you fit two fingers betweenyour breasts when wearing a bra?”). Then, in step 240, an indication ofthe wearer's inter-breast distance may be received.

Proceeding now with the portion of the flowchart depicting process 200depicted in FIG. 2C, in step 242, provision of a prompt to provide anindication of one or more life events (typically life events effectingbreast size) affecting the wearer may be facilitated. In some instances,the prompt provided in step 242 may include providing an open-endedquestion (e.g., “any big life events lately?”) by which a wearer maymanually enter a response and/or a list of life events (e.g.,engagement, pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss, breast feeding,mastectomy, breast augmentation, etc.) from which the wearer may selectone or more life events. Then, in step 244, an indication of one or morelife events may be received.

In step 246, provision of a prompt to provide an indication of thewearer's skin tone and/or a color or pattern preference may befacilitated. In some instances, the prompt provided in step 230 mayinclude providing an image of various options for skin tone, colors,and/or patterns along with a selection mechanism. In other instances,the prompt provided in step 230 may include a question regarding thewearer's race and/or ethnicity that may be later used in, for example,steps 250, 252, and/or 254 to approximate and/or determine skin tone.Then, in step 248, an indication of the wearer's skin tone and/or acolor or pattern preference may be received.

Throughout process 200, one or more of the indications (e.g., theindications received in steps 210, 214, 218, 224, 232, 236, 240, 244,and/or 248) may be indirectly received and/or not received in responseto a prompt. For example, if a wearer provides a photograph and/or scanof herself, then some of the prompted-for indications may be deducedtherefrom without the need for prompting the wearer to provide theinformation directly. Exemplary indications that may be deduced from,for example, a photograph, a 3D image, and/or a 180° or 360° scan of thewearer's body include, but are not limited to, anatomical measurements,breast shape, skin tone determinations, and inter-breast distance.Additionally, or alternatively, some of the indications may already beknown (as may occur if the wearer and/or the user previously providedthem as may occur when the wearer has previously purchased a bra fromand/or has an account with the user and/or the wearer has an accountthat is associated with the prompted for information with an entity thatexecutes some, or all, of process 200 (e.g., a retailer or wholesaler ofbras)).

In step 250, data regarding a second sizing convention and parametersthereof may be accessed. In some embodiments, the data accessed in step250 is stored in second sizing convention database 135 and is accessedby wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing computer system 140. Thereceived indications may then be analyzed along with the accessed dataregarding the second sizing convention (step 252) to determine a size ofthe wearer according to the second sizing convention (step 254). In someembodiments, the analysis of step 252 may include accessing first sizingconvention and bra brand/manufacturer database 125 so as to, forexample, determine one or more dimensions, features, or other aspects ofthe bra brand/manufacture received in step 210.

Often times, the analysis and determination of steps 252 and 254,respectively, may include matching indications received via process 200with parameters of a second sizing convention and, in some instances,not all information received via process 200 may be used as may benecessary when, for example, a response to a prompt is not receivedand/or two or more prompts are inconsistent with one another.

The analysis and/or determination of steps 252 and/or 254 may includeresolving inconsistent information within the received indications. Forexample, in an instance where a wearer indicates that her bra size is a34C but her third measurement indicates she has a torso circumference of37 inches the analysis may include resolving this information todetermine what the wearer's second sizing convention size should be.Once determined, the size of the wearer according to the second sizingconvention may be provided to the wearer and/or user (step 256). In someinstances, execution of step 256 may include selection of a garment inthe determined second sizing convention size and provision of theselected garment to the wearer via any appropriate means (e.g., deliveryvia mail, or handing the selected garment to the wearer in a shop).

In some instances, execution of steps 252 and 254 may includedetermining one or more sub-sizes included in the one or more of thesizes of the second sizing convention. In some instances, a sub-size mayindicate a particular aspect (e.g., color, cup coverage, inframammaryfold shape, etc.) of a size within the second sizing convention. Forexample, a sub-size may be a central, or base, size within the secondsizing convention that is determined using one or more measurementindications as may be received in step 288 and then, for example,adjusting that base size and/or sub-size (e.g., up or down) according toone or more other indications received via process 200. For example, ifa base sub-size within the second sizing system is determined to be a 7,the indications received in, for example, steps 210, 214, 218, 224, 232,236, 240, 244, and/or 248 may be used to adjust the base sub-size to a 6or 8, depending on the content of the indications.

In another example, the second sizing convention may associate aplurality of parameters with each second sizing convention size. Forexample, a second sizing convention size may have 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6different parameters. In these embodiments, a base size within thesecond sizing system may be determined using the measurement valuesreceived in step 228 and the indications received in, for example, steps210, 214, 218, 224, 232, 236, 240, 244, and/or 248 may be used todetermine values for additional parameters. In some instances, one ormore of the sub-sizes and/or parameters may be combined in to a single,or small amount, of numbers using a coding or other technique so as tomake it easier for the wearer to remember. In this way, a size withinthe second sizing convention may incorporate many different sub-sizes.

Additionally, or alternatively, a size for a wearer within the secondsizing convention may incorporate a parameter value corresponding toeach of the measurement values received in step 228 and, in someinstances, may also incorporate one or more of the indications receivedin steps 210, 214, 218, 224, 232, 236, 240, 244, and/or 248. In theseinstances, the second sizing convention size may include a plurality ofdifferent values, or sub-sizes, each corresponding to a different aspectof the bra.

Additionally, or alternatively, execution of steps 252 and 254 mayinclude incorporating a combination of objective and subjectivemeasurements/indications and, in other embodiments, only objective orsubjective measurements may be used to determine a wearer's sizeaccording to the second sizing convention. For example, the subjectiveindications regarding cup coverage preference may be incorporated intothe wearer's second sizing convention size. This is different fromselecting a “style” of bra that may offer the preferred cup coveragebecause a “style” is not consistent across different types/brands ofbras or different “styles” even when those types or styles are made bythe same manufacturer. Therefore, a wearer would not be able toassociate this subjective preference with her size according to thetraditionally used first bra sizing convention (because it does notprovide for/incorporate such preferences, indications, or subjectivejudgements) and instead would have to experiment with different brasthat are sized according to her first sizing convention size to find abra that matches her cup coverage preference. Typically, a wearer wouldhave to go this process for every individual bra they wear/purchasebecause the dimensions of bras and other garments made using the firstsizing convention are not consistent across bras, bra brands, bramanufacturers, or bra styles. This lack of consistency is caused by manyfactors including the use of different dimensions and materials tomanufacture bras of the same size using the first sizing conventionacross different brands, styles, and sometimes within the same brand andstyle. In some instances, dimensions of bras sized according to thefirst sizing convention vary from bra to bra even when those bras are ofthe same style and size and are made by the same manufacturer. Thus,even if a wearer finds a bra brand, style, and size (according to thefirst sizing convention) that fits her, it is quite possible thatanother bra of the same bra brand, style, and size will not because, forexample, different dimensions or materials may have been used tomanufacture these two bras of the same brand, style, and size. Thisleads to confusion, frustration, discomfort, and the wasting of time forthe wearer.

With the second sizing convention, this experimentation is no longernecessary because the dimensions and other aspects of the wearer's size(e.g., elasticity, cup coverage, fabric, etc.) are incorporated into thesecond sizing convention size. Therefore, the wearer may select frommultiple styles of bra provided in her second sizing convention size andreceive a bra that provides her desired cup coverage as well as theother aspects/features/preferences incorporated into her second sizingconvention size automatically, without the need to experiment with(e.g., try on) every individual bra she purchases/wears.

Additionally, or alternatively, execution of steps 252 and 254 mayinclude matching the parameters associated with the wearer withparameters of a frame 1400, support structure(s) 1605, 1606, 1800, 2100,2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 3200, and/or 3300, casing(s) 2700 and/or2800, and/or housing 3400 as will be discussed below. For example, themeasurement values received in step 228 may be used to select a framesupport structure, casing, and/or housing and/or an aspect thereof,(e.g., thickness, flexibility, shape, weight, silhouette, etc.), from aplurality of available frames, support structures, casings, and/orhousings that most closely matches the measurements and the indicationsreceived in steps 210, 214, 218, 224, 232, 236, 240, 244, and/or 248 maybe used to determine various aspects of a casing and/or housing for thebra size according to the second sizing convention.

Additionally, or alternatively, in some instances, as may be the casefor multi-parameter second sizing convention sizes, a format for thesecond sizing convention sizes may be simplified by use of, for example,a single code (e.g., number or letter), or a short series of numbers ofletters, whose size and/or placement within the second sizing conventionsize indicates values for multiple parameters prior to provision to thewearer.

While the steps of process 200 are laid out sequentially, in someinstances, these steps may be performed in an order different from theone laid out in FIGS. 2A-2C. For example, step 254 may be executedwithout prior execution of, for example, steps 210/212,218/220, 242/244,246/248. Additionally, or alternatively, not all of steps 208-248 may beperformed in order to determine, in step 254, a size for the wearerusing the second sizing convention.

FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, and 5B provide flowcharts depicting additional and/oralternative processes 300, 400, and 500, respectively, for determining agarment size according to the second sizing convention for a wearer.Process(es) 300, 400, and/or 500 (or a portion thereof) may be executedin addition to, or in lieu of, process 200 as described above withregard to FIGS. 2A-2C. As with process 200, the wearer of process(es)300, 400, and/or 500 may be a male but, in most instances will be femaleand, on some occasions, may be referred to herein as an individual. Anexemplary wearer 10, is depicted and discussed below with regard toFIGS. 12A-12C. In some cases, the wearer for process(es) 200, 300, 400,and/or 500 may be the same or different from one another. For thepurposes of the discussion of processes 300, 400 and 500, the garment isa bra although a person of skill in the art will readily recognize thatprocess(es) 200, 300, 400, and/or 500 may be used to determine awearer's size for a variety of garments including, but not limited to,sports bras, compression bras, bralettes, corsets, bustiers, camisoles,swimsuits, sports tops, shirts, dresses, and the like.

Processes 200, 300, 400, and/or 500 are executed by a computer orprocessor and some, or all, of process(es) 200, 300, 400, and/or 500 maybe executed by a system, such as system 100, or a component thereof suchas sizing computer system 140, one or more measurement devices110A-110N, and/or wearer/user device 115. In some instances, some orall, of the information received during process(es) 200, 300, 400,and/or 500 is received from the wearer herself while, in otherinstances, another individual, referred to herein as a “user” may assistwith, for example, providing requested information (e.g., the taking ofmeasurements) and provision of the measurements to system 100, sizingcomputer system 140, and/or wearer/user device 115.

More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates process 300 for determining and/oradjusting a bra size according to the second sizing convention for awearer. Initially, a prompting for a first measurement of a wearer maybe facilitated (step 305). In some instances, the wearer and the usermay be the same person as may be the case when, for example, a wearerintends to measure herself and/or respond to prompts. Exemplary usersinclude, but are not limited to, bra fitting specialists, salesassociates, and friends or family of the wearer. The first measurementof step 305 may correspond to a breast volume measurement as discussedabove with regard to steps 226 and 228 of process 200 and below withregard to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C.

Next, a prompting to provide a second measurement of the wearer may befacilitated (step 310). The second measurement may correspond to a backvolume measurement as discussed above with regard to steps 226 and 228of process 200 and below with regard to FIGS. 13C and 13D. Then,provision of a prompt to provide a third measurement of the wearer maybe facilitated (step 315). The third measurement may correspond to acircumference of the wearer's torso at, or near her inframammary fold asdiscussed above with regard to steps 226 and 228 of process 200 andbelow with regard to FIG. 13E.

Next, the first, second, and third measurements may be received (step320) and used to determine a bra size according to the second sizingconvention for the wearer (step 325). Execution of step 325 may besimilar to and/or incorporate steps 250, 252, and/or 254 of process 200as described above.

Optionally, in step 330, provision of one or more questions regardinghow a wearer's bra (or her favorite or most comfortable bra) fits and/ora preference for a bra characteristic to the user and/or wearer may befacilitated. If step 330 is not performed, then process 300 may proceedto step 350. When step 330 is performed, then process 300 may proceed tostep 335 and an answer to one or more of the questions and/or a bracharacteristic preference may be received. Next, in step 340, it may bedetermined whether an adjustment to the bra size according to the secondsizing convention determined in step 325 may be needed and/oradvantageous. If so, the bra size according to the second sizingconvention may be adjusted (step 345) and provision of the determinedand/or adjusted bra size according to the second sizing convention tothe wearer and/or user may be facilitated (step 350). If the answer tothe determination of step 340 is no, then process 300 may proceeddirectly to step 350.

FIG. 4 provides a flowchart depicting another exemplary process 400 fordetermining a wearer's bra size according to the second sizingconvention. In step 405, a set of parameters for various sizes of thesecond bra sizing convention may be received and/or accessed. In step410, a prompt for three measurements of a wearer may be facilitated. Insome instances, execution of step 410 may resemble an execution of steps305, 310, and 315 of process 300 as described above with regard to FIG.3. Next, in step 415, the first, second, and the third measurementvalues may be received and a size of various sizes of the second brasizing convention that is most appropriate for, and/or matches the threereceived measurement values of the wearer, may be selected using thereceived and/or accessed set of parameters for the various sizes of thesecond bra sizing convention (step 420). Execution of step 420 may besimilar to and/or incorporate steps 250, 252, and/or 254 of process 200as described above. In some instances, performance of step 420 mayinclude, for example, weighting one or more of the three measurementvalues more heavily when compared to other received measurements so asto, for example, fit a wearer preference and/or establish a prioritybetween the three measurement values when selecting the bra sizeaccording to the second sizing convention for the wearer. For example,in some instances, the first measurement value may be more important todetermining the wearer's bra size according to the second sizingconvention then the third measurement value. In this instance, the firstmeasurement value may be weighted higher when determining the wearer'sbra size according to the second sizing convention when compared withthe third measurement value.

Optionally, in step 425, provision of one or more questions regardinghow a wearer's bra (as sized according to the first sizing convention)usually fits and/or a preference for a bra characteristic to the userand/or wearer may be facilitated. When step 425 is not executed, process400 may proceed to step 445. When step 425 is executed, process 400 mayproceed to step 430 and an answer(s) to one or more of the questions maybe received. Next, in step 435, it may be determined whether anadjustment to the base bra size selected in step 420 may be neededand/or advantageous responsively to the content of the received answersand, if so, the selected bra size of step 420 may be adjusted and/or anadjusted bra size according to the second sizing convention may bedetermined. (step 440) by, for example, selecting another bra sizeaccording to the second sizing convention for the wearer, and provisionof the determined and/or adjusted bra size to the wearer and/or user maybe facilitated (step 445). In some embodiments, execution of step 420and/or 440 may be similar to and/or incorporate steps 250, 252, and/or254 of process 200 as described above. If the answer to thedetermination of stepped 435 is no, then process 400 may proceeddirectly to step 445.

FIGS. 5A and 5B provide flowcharts depicting an exemplary process 500that has been divided over two pages or sheets to accommodate all thesteps of the process. In step 505, provision of a prompt to provide afirst measurement of a wearer may be facilitated (step 505). Next, aprovision of a prompt to provide a second measurement of the wearer maybe facilitated (step 510). Then, provision of a prompt to provide athird measurement of the wearer may be facilitated (step 515). Next, thefirst, second, and/or third measurements may be received (step 520). Thefirst, second, and third measurements of step 505, 510, 515, and 520 maycorrespond to a breast volume measurement, a back volume measurement,and a torso circumference measurement, respectively, and may be similarto the measurements described above with regard to steps 226 and 228 ofprocess 200, steps 305, 310, 315, and/or 320 of process 300, and/orsteps 410 and 415 of process 400.

In step 525, a breast volume size of the wearer may be determined using,for example, the first received measurement value and/or a combinationof the first, second, and/or third measurement values. In step 530, aback volume size of the wearer may be determined using, for example, thesecond received measurement value and/or a combination of the first,second, and/or third measurement values. In step 535, a torsocircumference size of the wearer may be determined using, for example,the third received measurement value and/or a combination of the first,second, and/or third measurement values. Then, a bra size of the weareraccording to the second sizing convention may be determined (step 540).The determination of step 540 may be based on, for example, thedeterminations of steps 525, 530, and/or 535. In some embodiments,execution of step 540 may be similar to and/or include execution ofsteps 250, 252, and/or 254 of process 200; execution of steps 325, 340,and/or 345 of process 300; and/or execution of steps 405, 420, 435,and/or 440 of process 400 as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 2, 3,and 4, respectively.

Proceeding now with the portion of process 500 that is depicted on inFIG. 5B, optionally, in step 545, provision of one or more questionsregarding how a wearer's bras usually fit, how a wearer's favorite brafits, and/or a preference for a bra characteristic to the user and/orwearer may be facilitated. When step 545 is performed, then process 500may proceed to step 550 and an answer to one or more of the questionsand/or a bra characteristic preference may be received. Next, in step555, it may be determined whether an adjustment to the breast volumesize, back volume size, torso circumference size, and/or bra sizeaccording to the second bra sizing convention determined in step(s) 525,530, 535, and/or 540, respectively, may be needed and/or advantageous.If so, the respective breast volume size, back volume size, torsocircumference size and/or bra size may be adjusted (step 560)accordingly and provision of the determined and/or adjusted breastvolume size, back volume size, torso circumference size and/or bra sizeto the wearer and/or user may be facilitated (step 565). If the answerto the determination of stepped 555 is no, then process 500 may proceeddirectly to step 550. Additionally, when step 545 is not performed,process may proceed from step 540 to step 565

In some instances, information received via processes 200, 300, 400,and/or 500 and/or determinations or adjustments made via executionthereof may be used to, for example, determine or adjust, for example,sizing dimensions for bras, or components thereof (e.g., a frame,support structure, casing, or housing) to be manufactured and/or thedevelopment or improvement of a sizing system.

Provision of the size according to the second sizing convention asperformed in steps 256, 350, 445, and/or 565 may include translating thedetermined sizing information into a personalized size which, in someinstances, may be personalized to an individual using, for example, thewearer's name or user name. Additionally, or alternatively, in someinstances, as may be the case for multi-parameter second sizingconvention sizes, a format for the second sizing convention sizes may besimplified by use of, for example, a single code (e.g., number orletter), or a short series (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 parameters) of numbers ofletters, whose size and/or placement within the second sizing conventionsize indicates values for multiple parameters prior to provision to thewearer. In some cases, the second sizing convention sizes and/or anaspect thereof may be represented by an image or color.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 600 fordetermining a personalized garment size and/or second sizing conventionsize for an individual and providing the individual with a garment thatcomplies with the personalized size. As described herein in someembodiments, the personalized garment size and/or second sizingconvention size may be a bra size according to the second bra sizingconvention. Process 600 may be executed by, for example, a system likesystem 100 and/or a component thereof.

For ease of discussion, process 600 will be discussed within the contextof measurements and/or topological parameters for the breasts of anindividual and for regions of the individual's body proximate to theindividual's chest and/or torso. However, it will be understood by thoseof skill in the art that process 600 may be used to provide apersonalized size and/or a garment designed to fit a portion of the bodythat does not include breasts as may be the case with, for example,stomach compression garments, hip compression garments, back braces, legcompression garments, pants, etc.

Initially, data regarding of an exterior surface of an individual may bereceived (step 605). Exemplary data received in step 605 includes age, aphysical measurement (as measured in e.g., in inches or kilograms), aphotograph, an anatomical parameter, and/or a topological parametercorresponding to, or otherwise indicating a dimension, a contour, orother feature of the exterior surface of the individual. The data may bereceived from, for example, one or more measurement/sizing devices110A-110N and/or wearer/user device 115 by, for example, sizing computersystem 140 via communication network 120 and/or wearer/user device 115alone. Additionally, or alternatively, the data may be received from athird party such as a doctor or other healthcare provider. For example,if a woman has had breast augmentation surgery, the dimensions of thebreast implants and/or breast contours following the surgery may bereceived from, for example, the individual's plastic surgeon in step605.

In some instances, the data received in step 605 may correspond to aportion of the body of the individual where soft tissue (i.e., breasttissue, fat, muscle) is located/positioned. For example, the receivedmeasurements/parameters may correspond to the individual's breasts,abdomen, buttocks, hips, sides, and/or back. In some embodiments, thedata received in step 605 may correspond to an individual's body whilethe individual is wearing clothing. For example, the data may correspondto the topology of the individual while wearing a bra or other garmentthat supports breast or other soft tissue in a desired fashion. In otherembodiments, the data received in step 605 may correspond to anindividual's body while not wearing clothing.

Optionally, information regarding the individual may be received in step610. Exemplary information received in step 610 includes, but is notlimited to, the individual's height, shoulder width, age, gender, race,ethnicity, prior breast-related surgeries, weight, breast shape, breastvolume, body mass index (BMI), placement of the breasts on the torso ofthe individual, a distance between the breasts, and density of softtissue.

In some embodiments, the data received in step 610 may relate to anamount of fat or other soft tissue positioned around the torso of theindividual in addition to data relating to the breasts of theindividual. This data may be used to determine, for example, compressiontolerances for the garment when it is worn by the individual. Forexample, if an individual has a relative large amount of fat or othersoft tissue positioned around her torso as may be the case when, forexample, the individual is obese, then compression of the garment intothe body of the individual may have the effect of pushing soft tissuethat is adjacent to the compression point(s) into an undesired position.Stated differently, compressing the tissue of, for example, the breastsor back with too great of a force may create undesirable bulges of fatand other soft tissue above or below the line where the garment ispushing into the body of the individual. Therefore, an aspect of theindividual's body received in step 610 and/or a preference for a garmentand/or garment component (received in step 615) may be a relatively lowcompression tolerance for the garment so that the garment will, forexample, lie adjacent to the exterior surface of the individual whenworn and not press into the individual causing undesired bulges of softtissue and/or increase a footprint of the garment so that pressure isdispersed over a greater surface area.

Optionally, in step 615, one or more preferences for the garment and/ora component of the garment of the individual may be received. Exemplaryindividual preferences include desired fit (e.g., snug or loose), adesired placement for the garment on the torso, a desired distancebetween the cups of the garment, a desired placement for the centerclasp (if applicable) of the garment, a type of clasp for the garment, atype of back closure mechanism for the garment, a preferred fabric orother material or a restriction of same (as may be the case with anallergy or sensitivity to a certain fabric or material), and a desiredsilhouette to be produced by the garment.

Another individual preference may relate to a desired function thegarment is to perform (e.g., reduce movement of soft tissue duringactivity, provide access when breast feeding, augment an appearance ofthe breast tissue, minimize an appearance of the breast tissue, supportmuscle or bone following an injury, compress tissue into a desiredshape, and so on). A further individual preference may relate to ananatomical feature of the individual. Exemplary anatomical featuresinclude breasts of different sizes or the removal of some or all breasttissue from one or both breasts as may be the case with a lumpectomy ora mastectomy. Another individual preference may relate to a medicalconcern including, for example, hormonal fluctuations, recent surgery,or pregnancy.

In some embodiments, a received individual preference may relate to ashape of the garment, a desired look of the garment, materials used tomanufacture the garment, a method of manufacture, or a country of originfor the garment. In other embodiments, an individual preference mayrelate to a preferred degree of containment of soft tissue. In yetanother embodiment, an individual preference may relate to a degree ofrigidity of the garment and/or a component of the garment. Optionally,step 615 may also include providing an individual with an image of whatthe garment will look like when worn by the individual and feedbackand/or an individual preference regarding the image may be received.

Next, in step 620, one or more dimensions and/or contours of atopological feature of the exterior surface of the individual may bedetermined. Exemplary features include body dimensions, volume, weight,density, a circumference of the torso or breast at various points,nipple placement, location of the soft tissue on the body or chest, andlocation of soft tissue below the chest. In some embodiments, step 620may include any number of processes that analyze the data in order to,for example, resolve an exterior edge, surface feature, and/or contourof the individual and/or positions of soft tissue located on theindividual. For example, when the data received in step 605 are imagescaptured via one or more 3D cameras, the images may be transformed intoa point cloud that is resolved to determine, for example, an exterioredge, surface feature, and/or contour of the individual and/or positionsof soft tissue located on the individual. In another example, step 620may include using 3D and/or 2D measurement data to construct of a 3Dapproximation, or other graphical representation, of the dimensions ortopology of the individual.

In some embodiments, execution of steps 605, 610, 615, and/or 620 mayresemble and/or incorporate execution of steps 228, 320, 335, 415, 430,520, and/or 550.

Optionally, in step 625, the dimensions and/or topological parameters ofthe individual may be optimized to indicate, for example, a desiredplacement or orientation of soft tissue and/or breast tissue for theindividual. In some cases, the optimization of step 625 may be userconfigurable and, in those cases, one or more optimization preferencesor parameters may be received in step 620.

The optimization of step 625 may include, for example, a determinationof how to reposition topological features (e.g., the soft tissue) into adesired shape, contour, or silhouette for the individual. For example,an individual with relatively small breasts may desire optimization sothat the soft tissue of the breasts is lifted away from the torso in aforward facing direction and an individual with relatively large breastsmay desire optimization so that a portion of the soft tissue of thebreasts is positioned away from a center midline of the individual.

In some instances, the optimization of step 625 may be incorporated intoexecution of steps 252, 254, 325, 345, 420, 440, 540, and/or 560

Next, in step 630, a series of garment dimensions for the individualthat match the topological features of step 620 and/or optimizedtopological features of step 625 may be determined using, for example,data and/or parameters regarding the second sizing convention as may bestored in second sizing convention database 135. The garment dimensionsmay be selected to provide adequate support for the soft tissue of theindividual as well as a desired set of contours for the individual thatthe garment may provide for/induce when worn by the individual. In someinstances, execution of step 630 may include determining how and whereto position and shape, for example, frame, support structure, casing,and/or housing features like the features of frame 1400, supportstructure(s) 2800, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 3200, and/or3300, casing 2700, and/or housing 3400 to, for example, maintain therepositioning and/or support of the breast tissue.

Then, the determined set of garment dimensions may be used to determinea garment size personalized to the individual and/or a second sizingconvention size for the individual, which may be referred to herein as apersonalized garment size and/or second sizing convention size (step635). The personalized garment size and/or second sizing convention sizemay be associated with a number of features and/or identifiersincluding, for example, a name of the individual, a pseudonym of theindividual, a characteristic of the individual (e.g., weight, height,skin color, etc.), a series of numbers and/or letters corresponding tothe individual, a time of year (e.g., month, season, etc.), a status ofthe individual (e.g., pre-surgery, post-surgery, pregnancy, etc.) and/orcombinations of same.

In step 640, the personalized garment size and/or second sizingconvention size may be provided to the individual via one or moremechanisms including, but not limited to, verbally, electronic mail,short-message-service (SMS) text message, and a written message.Execution of step 640 may resemble execution of steps 256, 350, 445,and/or 565. The personalized garment size and/or second sizingconvention size may then be stored in, for example, data storage device130 and/or on the individual's mechanism for receiving the personalizedgarment size and/or second sizing convention size (e.g., smart phone,smart watch, computer, etc.) (step 645). In some embodiments, thepersonalized garment size and/or second sizing convention size may beprovided to an individual coincidentally with provision of a garmentthat matches the personalized garment size and/or second sizingconvention size (step 650).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 700 fordetermining a personalized garment size and/or second sizing conventionsize for an individual and providing the individual with a garment thatcomplies with the updated personalized size/second sizing conventionsize. Process 700 may be executed by, for example, a system like system100 and/or a component thereof.

For ease of discussion, process 700 will be discussed with relation toreceiving data regarding an exterior surface of an individual's breastsand for regions of the individual's body proximate to the individual'schest and/or torso. However, it will be understood by those of skill inthe art that process 700 may be used to provide a personalized garmentsize and/or second sizing convention size and/or garment to anindividual designed to fit a portion of the body that does not includebreasts as may be the case with, for example, stomach compressiongarments, hip compression garments, back braces, etc.

Initially, data regarding of an exterior surface of an individualcorresponding to a desired position of a portion of soft tissue (i.e.,breast tissue, fat, muscle) of the individual may be received (step705). For example, the received measurements/parameters may correspondto the individual's breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, sides, and/orback. Exemplary data includes an individual's age, a physicalmeasurement (as measured in e.g., in inches or kilograms), a photograph,an anatomical parameter, and/or a topological parameter correspondingto, or otherwise indicating a dimension, a contour, or other feature theindividual. The data may be received from, for example, one or moremeasurement/sizing devices 110A-110N and/or wearer/user device 115 by,for example, wearer/user device 115 and/or sizing computer system 140via communication network 120. Additionally, or alternatively, the datamay be received from a third party such as a doctor or other healthcareprovider. For example, if a woman has had breast augmentation surgery,the dimensions of the breast implants and/or breast contours followingthe surgery may be received from, for example, the individual's plasticsurgeon in step 705.

In some embodiments, the data received in step 705 may correspond to anindividual's body while wearing a garment that pushes, or holds, thesoft tissue in a desired position or configuration. For example, thedata may correspond to the topology of the exterior surface of theindividual while wearing a bra or other garment that supports breast orother soft tissue in a desired fashion. In other embodiments, the datareceived in step 705 may correspond to aspirational/desired features ofthe individual's exterior surface topology.

In some instances, the individual may wear an adjustable garment thatpositions (via, for example, straps, laces, or other adjustablefeatures) the soft tissue into a desired configuration so thatmeasurements and other data (e.g., 2D or 3D photographs) regarding thedesired position of the soft tissue may be taken.

Optionally, information regarding an aspect of the individual's bodyand/or soft tissue shape and/or size may be received in step 710.Exemplary information received in step 710 includes, but is not limitedto, the individual's height, shoulder width, weight, breast shape,placement of the breasts on the torso of the individual, BMI, breastvolume, a distance between the breasts, and density of soft tissue.

In some embodiments, the data received in step 710 may relate to anamount of fat or other soft tissue positioned around the torso of theindividual in addition to data relating to the breasts of theindividual. This data may be used to determine, for example, compressiontolerances for the garment when worn by the individual. For example, ifan individual has a relatively large amount of fat or other soft tissuepositioned around her torso as may be the case when, for example, theindividual is obese, then compression of the garment into the body ofthe individual may have the effect of pushing soft tissue that isadjacent to the compression point into an undesired position. Stateddifferently, compressing the tissue of, for example, the breasts or backwith too great of a force may create undesirable bulges of fat and othersoft tissue above and/or below the line where the garment is pushinginto the body of the individual. Therefore, an aspect of theindividual's body received in step 710 and/or a preference for a garmentand/or garment component (received in step 715) may be a relatively lowcompression tolerance for the garment so that the garment will, forexample, lie adjacent to the exterior surface of the individual whenworn and not press into the individual causing undesired bulges of softtissue.

Optionally, in step 715, one or more preferences of the individual maybe received. Exemplary individual preferences include desired fit (e.g.,snug or loose), desired compression force for one or more garmentcomponents, a desired placement for the garment on the torso, a desireddistance between the cups of the garment, a desired placement for thecenter clasp (if applicable) of the garment, a type of clasp for thegarment, a type of back closure mechanism for the garment, a preferredfabric or other material or a restriction of same (as may be the casewith an allergy or sensitivity to a certain fabric or material), and adesired silhouette.

Another individual preference may relate to a desired function thegarment may perform (e.g., reduce movement of soft tissue duringactivity, provide access when breast feeding, augment an appearance ofthe breast tissue, minimize an appearance of the breast tissue). Afurther individual preference may relate to an anatomical feature of theindividual. Exemplary anatomical features include breasts of differentsizes or the removal of some or all breast tissue from one or bothbreasts as may be the case with a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. Anotherindividual preference may relate to a medical concern including, forexample, hormonal fluctuations, recent surgery, or pregnancy.

In some embodiments, a received individual preference may relate tomaterials used to manufacture the garment, a method of manufacture, or acountry of origin for the garment. In other embodiments, an individualpreference may relate to a preferred degree of containment of softtissue. In yet another embodiment, an individual preference may relateto a degree of rigidity of the garment and/or a component of thegarment.

Optionally, step 715 may also include providing the individual with animage of what the garment may look like when worn by the individual andfeedback and/or an individual preference regarding the image may bereceived.

Next, in step 720, the data and/or preference(s) received in steps705-715 may be analyzed so as to determine whether any adjustments tothe desired positioning of the soft tissue are necessary and/or desired.The analysis of step 720 may include, for example, resolution of a pointcloud into a topology of an exterior surface of the individual, locationof certain features of the individual's exterior surface (e.g., breastapex, position of inframammary fold, etc.) and/or resolution of anexterior edge, surface feature, and/or contour of the individual and/orpositions of soft tissue located on the individual. In some instances,performance of step 720 may include normalization of the data, removalof erroneous data points, and/or removal of some data that may not berelevant to process 700. Data that may not be relevant to process 700includes, but is not limited to, data regarding a garment the individualmay be wearing when the data received in step 705 is originallycaptured.

When adjustments to the desired position of the soft tissue are neededor desired, these adjustments may be made in step 725. Exemplaryadjustments include optimization of the dimensions and/or topologicalparameters of the individual so as to indicate, for example, a desiredplacement or orientation of soft tissue and/or breast tissue for theindividual. In some cases, the adjustments of step 725 may be userconfigurable and, in those cases, one or more adjustment/optimizationpreferences or parameters may be received in step 715.

The adjustments of step 725 may include, for example, a determination ofhow to reposition topological features (e.g., the soft tissue) into adesired shape, contour, or silhouette for the individual. For example,an individual with relatively small breasts may desire the soft tissueof the breasts is lifted away from the torso in a forward facingdirection and an individual with relatively large breasts may desireoptimization so that a portion of the soft tissue of the breasts ispositioned away from a center midline of the individual.

In some embodiments, an adjustment may be made in step 725 so as toaccommodate an article of clothing the individual would like to wear(e.g., a dress with a low-cut neckline).

When no adjustments are necessary, a series of garment dimensions thatmay achieve the desired positioning of the soft tissue when the garmentis worn by the individual may be determined (step 730). IN someembodiments, the determination of step 730 may include determining thewearer's second sizing convention size and may include, for example,execution of steps 250, 252, and/or 254. The garment dimensions may bedetermined so as to provide adequate support for the soft tissue of theindividual as well as a desired set of contours for the individual thatthe garment may provide for/induce when worn by the individual.

Then, the determined set of garment dimensions may be used to determinea garment size personalized to the individual and/or a second sizingconvention size, which may be referred to herein as a personalizedgarment size and/or second sizing convention size (step 735). Thepersonalized garment size and/or second sizing convention size may beassociated with a number of features and/or identifiers including, forexample, a name of the individual, a pseudonym of the individual, acharacteristic of the individual (e.g., weight, height, skin color,etc.), a series of numbers corresponding to the individual, a time ofyear (e.g., month, season, etc.), a status of the individual (e.g.,pre-surgery, post-surgery, pregnancy, etc.) and/or combinations of same.

In step 740, the personalized garment size and/or second sizingconvention size may be provided to the individual via one or moremechanisms including, but not limited to, verbally, electronic mail,short-message-service (SMS) text message, and a written message. Thepersonalized garment size and/or second sizing convention size may thenbe stored in, for example, data storage device 130 and/or on theindividual's mechanism for receiving the personalized garment sizeand/or second sizing convention size (e.g., smart phone, smart watch,computer, etc.) (step 745). In some embodiments, the personalizedgarment size and/or second sizing convention size may be provided to anindividual coincidentally with provision of a garment that matches thepersonalized garment size and/or second sizing convention size (step750).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 800 forupdating a personalized garment size and/or second sizing conventionsize for an individual and providing the individual with a garment thatcomplies with the updated personalized/second sizing convention size.Process 800 may be executed by, for example, a system like system 100and/or a component thereof. In some instances, a user login, or otheruser identification, process for the individual may occur prior tostarting process 800. In some embodiments, process 800 may be executedso as to accommodate for changes in, for example, garment manufacturingprocesses and/or materials available from which to construct thegarment. Additionally, or alternatively, process 800 may be executed toaccommodate for changes in the dimensions of the wearer that may becaused by, for example, fluctuations in weight or hormone levels.

Initially, new and/or updated data for the individual and/or a new orupdated preference of the individual may be received (step 805). The newand/or updated data may be available due to, for example, a change inone or more body dimensions or topographical features of the individualor because new and/or different equipment is used to measure a dimensionor topographical feature of the individual and/or construct the garment.Exemplary new and/or updated data includes an individual's age, aphysical measurement (as measured in e.g., in inches or kilograms), aphotograph, an anatomical parameter, and/or a topological parametercorresponding to, or otherwise indicating a dimension, a contour, orother feature the individual. The data may be received from, forexample, one or more measurement/sizing devices 110A-110N and/orwearer/user device 115 by, for example, sizing computer system 140 viacommunication network 120. Additionally, or alternatively, the data maybe received from a third party such as a doctor or other healthcareprovider.

In some instances, the new/updated data received in step 805 is anew/updated preference of the individual. For example, an individual mayhave his or her size determined via process 600 and/or 700 and may thenadd one or more new or updated preferences regarding, for example, thedesign, color, style, or function of the garment.

Next, in step 810 stored information about the individual may beaccessed. Exemplary stored information includes, but is not limited to,a measurement of a body dimension of the individual, a topographicalfeature of the individual, a preference of the individual, a skin toneof the individual, a previously determined personalized garment sizeand/or second sizing convention size of the individual, and feedbackfrom the individual regarding a previously provided personalized garmentsize and/or second sizing convention size of the individual and/or agarment previously provided to the individual. Some of the informationaccessed in step 810 may be received and/or determined via one or moresteps of process 600 and/or 700 as described above with regard to FIGS.6 and/or 7.

Optionally, when, for example, the data received in step 805 relates toan exterior surface of the individual, one or more topological featuresof the exterior surface of the individual may be determined and/orupdated (step 815). At times, execution of step 815 may resembleexecution of steps 228, 320, 415, 520, and/or 620.

Optionally, in step 820, the dimensions and/or contours of thetopological parameters of the individual may be optimized using, forexample, the determination of step 815, so as to, for example,reposition the soft tissue of the individual in a desired configurationwhile within the garment. In some cases, the optimization of step 820may be user configurable and, in those cases, one or more optimizationpreferences or parameters may be received in step 805.

In some instances, the optimization of step 820 may include, forexample, a determination of how to reposition topological features(e.g., the soft tissue) into a desired shape, contour, or silhouette forthe individual. For example, an individual with relatively small breastsmay desire optimization so that the soft tissue of the breasts is liftedaway from the torso in a forward facing direction and an individual withrelatively large breasts may desire optimization so that a portion ofthe soft tissue of the breasts is positioned away from a center midlineof the individual.

Next, in step 825, an updated personalized garment size and/or secondsizing convention size may be determined based on, for example, thedeterminations of steps 815 and/or 820. Then, in step 830, the updatedpersonalized garment size and/or second sizing convention size may beprovided to the individual via one or more mechanisms including, but notlimited to, verbally, electronic mail, short-message-service (SMS) textmessage, and a written message. The personalized garment size and/orsecond sizing convention size may then be stored in, for example, datastorage device 130 and/or on the individual's mechanism for receivingthe personalized garment size and/or second sizing convention size(e.g., smart phone, smart watch, computer, etc.) (step 835). In someembodiments, the personalized garment size and/or second sizingconvention size may be provided to an individual coincidentally withprovision of a garment that matches the personalized garment size and/orsecond sizing convention size (step 840).

In some embodiments, the new and/or updated information received in step805 may be used to predict an individual's new and/or updated garmentsize. For example, when the new and/or updated information received instep 805 corresponds to a change in weight of the individual, process800 and/or another process described herein may be used to predict theindividual's new garment size. In some instances, this prediction may bebased on historical data for the particular individual and/or data forindividuals that share one or more aspects or characteristics with theparticular individual. For example, if a particular individual had afirst garment personalized size prior to her first pregnancy, and asecond personalized garment size and/or second sizing convention sizeduring her the third trimester of that pregnancy, process 800 may beused to predict the personalized garment size and/or second sizingconvention size for the individual immediately following the birth ofher child and/or for a phase of a subsequent pregnancy.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 900 fordetermining a set of sizes within, for example, the second sizingconvention, for a garment using data sets regarding a plurality ofindividuals and the corresponding personalized garment size and/orsecond sizing convention size for each of the respective individuals.Process 900 may be executed by, for example, a system like system 100and/or a component thereof.

Initially, in step 905, data sets regarding an exterior surface of aplurality of individuals and the corresponding personalized garment sizeand/or second sizing convention size for each of the respectiveindividuals may be received. The data regarding the individuals mayinclude, for example, data similar to the data received in steps 605,610, and/or 615 of process 600; steps 705, 710, and/or 715 of process700; and/or step 805 of process 800. The received personalized garmentsize and/or second sizing convention size s may have been determined,for example, using processes 600, 700, and/or 800. The data sets mayhave one or more aspects and/or categories of data included therein.Exemplary aspects and/or categories for the data within a particulardata set include, but are not limited to an individual's height,shoulder width, weight, breast shape, breast volume, BMI, a distancebetween the breasts, placement of the breasts on the torso of theindividual, density of soft tissue, and individual preferences. In someembodiments, the individual data sets may not be complete (i.e., includedata regarding every aspect/category).

In step 910, the data sets for individuals with the same and/or similarpersonalized garment size and/or second sizing convention size may becategorized into one or more groups. In some instances, the data set foran individual may appear in only one group/second sizing convention sizeand, in other instances, the data set for an individual may appear in aplurality of groups/second sizing convention sizes.

Next, in step 915, a range of values and/or parameters for eachaspect/category of the data sets within each group and/or second garmentsize may be determined. For some aspects/categories (e.g., height orweight) a wide range of values (e.g., 5-30% standard of deviation) maybe present within a group while for other aspects/categories (e.g.,torso circumference or BMI), a narrower range of values (e.g., 0.01-5%standard of deviation) may be present within the group.

Then, in step 920, a garment size and/or second sizing convention sizefor individuals with data sets that are associated with and/or fallwithin the range for each group/second sizing convention size may bedetermined for each group. In some embodiments, the group garment/secondsizing convention size may be associated with a set of aspects and/orcharacteristics of individuals within the group so that when a new setof data regarding an individual is received, the individual may becategorized into the appropriate group/second sizing convention size orgroups/second sizing convention sizes and an appropriate group garmentsize/second sizing convention size may be selected for the individual.

In step 925, the group garment sizes/second sizing convention sizes maybe communicated to a garment production facility, such as productionsystem 150 so that garments in each of the respective group garmentsizes may be produced (step 930).

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 1000 fordetermining a set of sizes for a garment using data sets regarding aplurality of individuals. Process 1000 may be executed by, for example,a system like system 100 and/or a component thereof.

In step 1005, data sets regarding an exterior surface of a plurality ofindividuals may be received. The received data may include, for example,data similar to the data received in steps 605, 610, and/or 615 ofprocess 600; steps 705, 710, and/or 715 of process 700; and/or step 805of process 800. The received personalized garment sizes and/or secondsizing convention sizes may have been determined, for example, usingprocesses 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and/or 800. The data sets mayhave one or more aspects and/or categories of data included therein.Exemplary aspects and/or categories for the data within a particulardata set include, but are not limited to, an individual's height,shoulder width, weight, breast shape, breast volume, BMI, a distancebetween the breasts, placement of the breasts on the torso of theindividual, density of soft tissue, and individual preferences. In someembodiments, the individual data sets may not be complete (i.e., includedata regarding every aspect/category).

Optionally, information regarding one or more of the individuals may bereceived in step 1010. The received information may relate to the shape,size, or other dimension of a region of an individual's body and/or softtissue located thereon. Exemplary information received in step 1010includes, but is not limited to, the individual's height, shoulderwidth, weight, breast shape, breast volume, body mass index (BMI),placement of the breasts on the torso of the individual, and density ofsoft tissue.

In some embodiments, the data received in step 1010 may relate to anamount of fat or other soft tissue positioned around the torso of theindividual in addition to data relating to the breasts of theindividual. This data may be used to determine, for example, compressiontolerances for the garment when worn by the individual. For example, ifan individual has a relative large amount of fat or other soft tissuepositioned around her torso, as may be the case when an individual isobese, then compression of the garment into the body of the individualmay have the effect of pushing soft tissue that is adjacent to thecompression point into an undesired position. Stated differently,compressing the tissue of, for example, the breasts or back with toogreat of a force may create undesirable bulges of fat and other softtissue above or below the line where the garment is pushing into thebody of the individual. Therefore, an aspect of the individual's bodyreceived in step 1010 and/or a preference for a garment and/or garmentcomponent (received in step 1015) may be a relatively low compressiontolerance for the garment so that the garment will, for example, lieadjacent to the exterior surface of the individual when worn and notpress into the individual causing undesired bulges of soft tissue.

Optionally, in step 1015, one or more preferences of the individual fora garment and/or garment component may be received. Exemplary individualpreferences include desired fit (e.g., snug or loose), a desiredplacement for the garment on the torso, a desired distance between thecups of the garment, a desired placement for the center clasp (ifapplicable) of the garment, a type of clasp for the garment, a type ofback closure mechanism for the garment, a preferred fabric or othermaterial or a restriction of same (as may be the case with an allergy orsensitivity to a certain fabric or material), and a desired silhouette.

Another individual preference that may be received in step 1015 includesa desired function the garment may perform (e.g., reduce movement ofsoft tissue during activity, provide access when breast feeding, augmentan appearance of the breast tissue, minimize an appearance of the breasttissue). A further individual preference may relate to an anatomicalfeature of the individual. Exemplary anatomical features include breastsof different sizes or the removal of some or all breast tissue from oneor both breasts as may be the case with a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.Another individual preference may relate to a medical concern including,for example, hormonal fluctuations, recent surgery, or pregnancy.

In some embodiments, a received individual preference may relate tomaterials used to manufacture the garment, a method of manufacture, or acountry of origin for the garment. In other embodiments, an individualpreference may relate to a preferred degree of containment of softtissue. In yet another embodiment, an individual preference may relateto a degree of rigidity of the garment and/or a component of thegarment.

Next, in step 1020, one or more topological features of the exteriorsurface for each of the individual may be determined. Exemplary featuresinclude body dimensions, volume, weight, density, a circumference of thetorso or breast at various points, nipple placement, location of thesoft tissue on the body or chest, and location of soft tissue below thechest. In some embodiments, step 1020 may include any number ofprocesses that process the data in order to, for example, resolve anexterior edge, surface feature, and/or contour of the individual and/orpositions of soft tissue located on the individual.

For example, when the data received in step 1005 are images captured viaone or more 3D cameras, the images may be transformed into a point cloudthat is resolve to determine, for example, an exterior edge, surfacefeature, and/or contour of the individual and/or positions of softtissue located on the individual. In another example, step 1020 mayinclude using 3D and/or 2D measurement data to construct a 3Dapproximation, or other graphical representation, of the dimensions ortopology of the individual.

Optionally, in step 1025, the dimensions and/or topological parametersof the individual may be optimized so as to indicate, for example, adesired placement or orientation of soft tissue and/or breast tissue forthe individual and/or incorporate one or more individual preferences. Insome cases, the optimization of step 1025 may be user configurable and,in those cases, one or more optimization preferences or parameters maybe received in step 1015.

The optimization of step 1025 may include, for example, a determinationof how to reposition topological features (e.g., the soft tissue) into adesired shape, contour, or silhouette for the individual. For example,an individual with relatively small breasts may desire optimization sothat the soft tissue of the breasts is lifted away from the torso in aforward facing direction and an individual with relatively large breastsmay desire optimization so that a portion of the soft tissue of thebreasts is positioned away from a center midline of the individual.

Next, in step 1030, a set of garment dimensions that match thetopological features of step 1020 and/or optimized topological featuresof step 1025 may be determined for each of the individuals. The garmentdimensions may be determined so as to provide adequate support for thesoft tissue of the individual as well as a desired set of contours forthe individual that the garment may provide for/induce when worn by theindividual.

Then, sets of garment dimensions that are similar to one another may becategorized together into groups (step 1035). A garment size and/orsecond sizing convention size for each group (also referred to herein asa “group garment size” or “second sizing convention size”) may then bedetermined for each group (step 1040).

In step 1045, the group garment sizes may be communicated to a garmentproduction facility, such as production system 150 so that garments ineach of the respective group garment sizes/second sizing conventionsizes may be produced (step 1050).

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 1100 forproviding a customized garment that matches the individual'spigmentation. Process 1100 may be executed by, for example, a systemlike system 100 and/or a component thereof.

In step 1105, a color image of an individual may be received. The colorimage may be received from, for example, one of the measurement/sizingdevices 110A-110N and/or wearer/user device 115. One or more preferencesof the individual may then be received (step 1110). Exemplarypreferences include preferences for fabric, coloration, patterning,and/or styling of a garment. In some embodiments, patterning and/orstyling of the garment may facilitate matching of the garment color withthe individual's pigmentation/skin tone.

In step 1115, the color image may be analyzed to determine one or moreaspects of the individual's skin tone and/or pigmentation. In someinstances, step 1115 may include comparing the color image to a knowncolor that is also included in the image. This may occur when, forexample, the individual is standing within the presence of various knownand labeled colors as may be provided via, for example, a PANTONE™chart. Then, in step 1120, a customized garment fabric, coloration,and/or patterning for a garment may be determined based on thedetermined aspects of the individual's skin tone and/or pigmentation.

In step 1125, a garment and/or fabric sample may be produced based onthe determinations of steps 1115 and 1120 and provided to the individual(step 1130). When the individual approves of the sample (step 1135), agarment using the sample information from step 1130 may be producedand/or manufactured using, for example, production system 150 (step1145) and provided to the individual (step 1150). When the individualdoes not approve of the sample (step 1135), the garment and/or samplecoloration and/or patterning may be adjusted according to, for example,the individual's feedback (step 1140) and steps 1120-1135 may berepeated until the individual provides approval whereupon process 1100may proceed to steps 1145 and 1150.

Processes 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and/or 1100and/or a portion thereof may be used to determine a wearer's sizeaccording to the second sizing convention. Additionally, oralternatively, these processes and/or a portion thereof may assist withthe determination of feature and/or a dimension, or a plurality ofdimensions, of a frame, support structure, casing and/or housing asdiscussed herein. Exemplary features and dimensions include, but are notlimited to, size, shape, thickness, degree of flexibility, degree ofrigidity, placement of perforations, size of perforations, how a frame,support structure, casing and/or housing may be joined and/or usedtogether, materials to be used for manufacture of the frame, supportstructure, casing and/or housing and/or manufacturing process for theframe, support structure, casing and/or housing.

FIG. 12A illustrates an anterior plan view of an exemplary wearer 10with a first (i.e., left) anterior side 60 and a second (i.e., right)anterior side 65 separated by a sagittal plane center midline 25. FIG.12B is a posterior plan view of an exemplary wearer 10 with a firstposterior side 70 and a second posterior side 75. FIG. 12C is a sideview of wearer that shows a lateral side of wearer 10. Wearer 10 has afirst breast 15 A and a second breast 15 B positioned on an anteriorside of her torso 20 on either side of an intermammary cleft. In mostcases, wearer 10 will be a woman, but this need not always be the case.In some instances, wearer 10 may not have one, or both, breasts as maybe the case following, for example, a single or double mastectomy.Additionally, or alternatively, wearer 10 may use one or more breastprosthesis.

A number of reference points/lines are superimposed upon wearer 10 inFIGS. 12A-12C so as to facilitate discussion of the invention. Forexample, in FIG. 12A, sagittal plane center midline 25 bisects wearer 10through a vertical midline that extends through the intermammary cleft(i.e., between the breasts) and through the center of the wearer's torsoas viewed from the front. Sagittal plane center vertical line 25 acts todifferentiate between first anterior side 60 and second anterior side 65of wearer 10. Additionally, an upper torso reference line 30 and a lowertorso reference line 35 define the approximate upper and lower limits ofa wearer's torso 20. A mid-torso reference line 40 defines anapproximate midpoint between the upper and lower torso reference lines30 and 35, respectively. In some embodiments, mid-torso reference line40 may correspond with an apex, high point, and/or nipple of wearer'sbreasts 15 and/or a desired apex, high point, and/or nipple of wearer'sbreasts 15 when wearing a garment or garment component. For ease ofdiscussion, the apex, high point, and/or nipple of wearer's breasts 15may be referred to herein as simply an apex. A horizontal inframammaryfold reference line 45 defines an approximate position for the wearer'sinframammary fold (i.e., where the breast 15 meets or joins with thewearer's torso 20), a first horizontal reference line 46 defines a firstposition below the wearer's inframammary fold and a second horizontalreference line 47 defines a second position below the wearer'sinframammary fold that is below the first horizontal reference line 46.

In FIG. 12B, sagittal plane center midline 25 bisects wearer 10 throughcenter of the head along the spine thereby defining first posterior side70 and second posterior side 75 of wearer 10. In FIG. 12C, a sidevertical midline 50 bisects the anterior and posterior of wearer 10through a vertical midline that extends through the center of thewearer's torso as viewed from the side and a vertical inframammary foldreference line 52 represents where the inframammary fold for the weareris as seen from the side.

As described above, FIGS. 13A-13E provide images showing how the first,second, third measurements of wearer 10 may be taken and/or values forthese measurements may be determined as described in, for example,processes 300, 400, and/or 500.

FIGS. 14A-14D provide drawings of an exemplary frame 1400 as viewed fromthe front, a first side, a second side, and bottom, respectively. Inmany circumstances, frame 1400 is adapted for positioning in a firstside of a frame or garment (not shown) including two frames 1400, onepositioned on first and second sides of the frame/garment that are amirror image of one another. In most instances, the first side of theframe/garment corresponds to the first anterior side 60 of wearer 10 andthe second side of the frame/garment corresponds to the second anteriorside 65 of wearer 10. Exemplary garments that may incorporate frames1400 include, but are not limited to, bras, sports bras, compressionbras, corsets, bustiers, camisoles, swimsuits, sports tops, shirts, anddresses.

Frame 1400 may act to provide support for a wearer's 10 breast weightby, for example, redistributing breast weight to the wearer's torso 20.On some occasions, frame 1400 may provide support for a cantileverprojection in the form of, for example, a volumetric cup, or portionthereof, adapted to accept insertion of a portions of a wearer's breasttherein. In some circumstances, frame 1400 may also act to maintainproper placement of frame 1400 and/or a casing or garment including theframe on the wearer's body (i.e., under the wearer's breast 15 and/oraround her torso) when a garment and/or casing including frame 1400 isworn by wearer 10.

A size and/or shape of frame 1400 and/or portions thereof may beadjusted (e.g., scaled up or down) based on sizing and/or support needsor preferences of wearer 10. For example, frames 1400 adapted for wearby wearers 10 with relatively large breasts may be thicker or made fromdifferent materials than frames 1400 adapted for wearers 10 with smallerbreasts. In another example, frames 1400 for wearer 10 may besized/adapted based on one or more dimensions or measurements of wearer10, such as, for example, circumference of wearer's torso 20 measured atan apex or underside of wearer's breasts 15 at, for example, mid-torsoreference line 40, horizontal inframammary fold reference line 45, firsthorizontal reference line 46, and/or second horizontal reference line46. In most circumstances, an array of differently sized/shaped framesmay be made to, for example, accommodate wearers of different sizesand/or different wearer preferences and/or garment, support structure,casing, and/or frame specifications.

Frame 1400 may be made from any appropriate material including, but notlimited to, plastic, foam, resin, metal, metal wire, plastic wire, andcombinations thereof. Exemplary plastics that may be used to manufacturethe frame include, but are not limited to, PVC, thermoset plastics, andthermoplastics such as TPR, TPU, or TPE, all of which may be used invarying grades and durometers.

Although frame 1400 is shown as a single piece, this need not be thecase. For example, a frame 1400 may include two or more pieces that maybe coupled together via, for example, a flexible or rigid bond inducedvia, for example, a chemical or mechanical bonding process. In someinstances, joints between two or more pieces that make up a frame 1400may be flexible and, in other instances, the joints may be rigid.

An exemplary range of thickness for a frame 1400 is 0.01 mm-20 mm. Insome cases, the thickness and/or range of thicknesses of a particularframe may depend on the overall size of the frame, support structure,and/or a casing, and/or garment the frame is designed to fit into and/orcooperate with. In some embodiments, a thickness of a frame 1400 may beuniform throughout the respective frame 1400 and, in other embodiments,a thickness of a frame 1400 may vary in different part(s) of therespective frame. For example, a frame 1400 may be thicker in areaswhere greater rigidity/support is desired and may be thinner in areaswhere greater flexibility/less support is desired. For instance, amaterial making up a portion of a frame 1400 positioned underneath abreast cup (e.g., a portion adapted to coincide with a wearer's 10inframammary fold when worn) may be thicker that the material making upa portion of on an inside edge of the frame 1400.

As may be seen in FIGS. 14A-14D, frame 1400 includes three sections: anunder-bust band 1430 positioned in an approximate center of frame 1400when viewed from the front between an intermammary-cleft portion 1410and a wrap-around portion 1445. A transition between under-bust band1430 and intermammary-cleft portion 1410 is delineated byintermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405 and a transition betweenunder-bust band 1430 and wrap-around portion 1445 is delineated bywrap-around portion reference line 1470. Both intermammary-cleft portionreference line 1405 and wrap-around portion reference line 1470 are notpart of frame 1400 and are superimposed on the figures provided hereinto facilitate discussion of frame 1400 and portions thereof.

In some instances, a dimension of wrap-around portion 1445 (e.g.,length, width, thickness) may be responsive to a size (e.g., a secondsizing convention size) and/or a shape of an intended wearer so that,for example, wrap-around portion 1445 may provide proper support for acantilever projection (typically in the form of a breast cup or aportion thereof, an example of which is discussed below with regard tosupport structure 1800).

Boundaries of intermammary-cleft portion 1410 may be defined by acombination of an intermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405, anintermammary-cleft portion upper edge 1415, an inside edge 1420, and anintermammary-cleft portion lower edge 1425. In most embodiments, anintersection between any two of these edges/lines is not a right angleand may be rounded in shape. For example, intermammary-cleft portionreference line 1405 is oriented at an angle (i.e., not parallel to anwrap-around portion reference line 1470) so that a length ofintermammary-cleft portion lower edge 1425 is greater than a length ofintermammary-cleft portion upper edge 1415. A size or shape ofintermammary-cleft portion 1410 may be varied in order to accommodate,for example, an actual position of a wearer's breast or breasts 15 onwearer's torso 20 (e.g., breasts that are positioned close together orfar apart on the chest), a desired position of a wearer's breast orbreasts 15 on wearer's torso 20, and/or a width of a wearer'sintermammary cleft. An exemplary way of varying the shape or size ofintermammary-cleft portion 1410 is to vary an angel at whichintermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405 is oriented, adjust alength of intermammary-cleft portion upper edge 1415, adjust a length ofintermammary-cleft portion lower edge 1425, and/or adjust a length ofinside edge 1420 and/or otherwise adjust relative dimensions ofintermammary-cleft portion upper edge 1415, intermammary-cleft portionlower edge 1425, and/or inside edge 1420.

In some instances, a vertical plane of intermammary-cleft portion 1410is adapted to coincide with wearer's 10 inframammary cleft when frame1400 is coincident with wearer's torso 20 (i.e., wearer 10 is wearingframe 1400). In some embodiments, a vertical plane of intermammary-cleftportion 1410 may be flat (i.e., planar) and, in other instances, thevertical plane intermammary-cleft portion 1410 may be curved (e.g.,concavely curved).

Under-bust band 1430 may have an upper edge 1440 and a lower edge 1435.An overall shape of under-bust band lower edge 1435, as well as acurvature of upper edge 1440 and lower edge 1435, may approximate ashape of wearer's 10 inframammary fold. In some instances, a size of aframe 1400 may incorporate one or more measurements of the wearer's 10inframammary fold as may be dictated by, for example, the wearer'ssecond sizing convention size. Further information regarding themeasurement, or sizing, of a wearer's inframammary fold is providedbelow with regard to FIG. 16G.

In some embodiments, an interior side of under-bust band upper edge 1440(or a portion thereof) may not be aligned with an exterior side ofunder-bust band upper edge 1440 (or a portion thereof). For example, aportion of an interior side of under-bust band upper edge 1440 may behigher than a portion of an exterior side of under-bust band upper edge1440. This arrangement may be advantageous when, for example, it isdesired to push breast tissue upwards. In another example, a portion ofan interior side of under-bust band upper edge 1440 may be lower than aportion of an exterior side of under-bust band upper edge 1440. Thisarrangement may be advantageous when, for example, adding a volumetriccup portion or other component to frame 1400 as the height differencebetween the interior and exterior sides of under-bust band upper edge1440 may act to retain a component added to frame 1400. Additionally, oralternatively, this lack of alignment between the interior and exteriorsides under-bust band upper edge 1440 may be used to achieve a desiredsilhouette of the wearer's breasts when wearing a garment includingframe 1400. In both of these examples, a top of under-bust band upperedge 1440 (or a portion thereof) may angled (i.e., not flat).

In some embodiments, frame 1400 may be configured so that under-bustband lower edge 1435 corresponds to a position of 0.4-15 cm below awearer's 10 inframammary fold. In some instances, a distance betweenunder-bust band lower edge 1435 and the wearer's 10 inframammary foldmay be constant and, in other instances, it may vary (e.g., a distancebetween under-bust band lower edge 1435 and the inframammary foldgradually increases from intermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405toward wrap-around portion reference line 1470). For example, In theembodiment of frame 1400, upper edge 1440 and lower edge 1435 areapproximately parallel with one another at, or near, intermammary-cleftportion reference line 1405 until approximately a center point ofunder-bust band 1430 after which a width of under-bust band 1430increases to a maximum width at wrap-around portion reference line 1470so that under-bust band lower edge 1435 form approximately the center ofunder-bust band 1430 to wrap-around portion reference line 1470 is onlyslightly curved along the X-Y plane (i.e., nearly a straight line) whenviewed from the front. In this way, the breast weight is supported bythe portion of the frame 1400 positioned on the outside of the wearer'sbreast 15.

In some embodiments, a shape, or curvature of under-bust band lower edge1435 may change along its length. For example, a shape of under-bustband lower edge 1435 may approximate a curvature of wearer's 10inframammary fold at a center of under-bust band 1430 and a curvature ofunder-bust band lower edge 1435 may change (e.g., curve in the oppositedirection) at, or near, wrap-around portion reference line 1470 and/orintermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405. In this way, theunder-bust band lower edge 1435 is curved so as to, for example, preventthe frame 1400 from extending too far down wearer's 10 body when worn.This may serve to increase the comfort of wearing frame 1400 as well asdecrease likelihood that wearing frame 1400 will interfere and/oruncomfortably coincide with a wearer's diaphragm or abdomen and/orinhibit wearer's movement or breathing.

Under-bust band upper edge 1440 may be curved in a manner approximatinga wearer's inframammary fold (i.e., where an underside of a woman'sbreast meets her torso). One or more dimensions of under-bust band upperedge 1440 (e.g., length, radius of curvature, etc.) may be adjustedbased on a size (according to, for example, the second sizingconvention) or shape of a wearer 10, a size or shape of her breasts 15,her breast mass, and/or her breast volume as is discussed in greaterdetail below. In some instances, a radius of curvature for theunder-bust band upper edge 1440 remains consistent through the length ofunder-bust band upper edge 1440 and, in other instances, a radius ofcurvature for the under-bust band upper edge 1440 may change along alength of under-bust band upper edge 1440 in, for example, a parabolicshape or an irregular shape so as to, for example, effect repositioningof breast tissue and/or the wearer's 10 anatomy.

In some cases, a shape of under-bust band upper edge 1440 may be suchthat a height of under-bust band 1430 is greater toward a wrap-aroundportion 1445 portion of frame 1400 than toward the intermammary-cleftportion 1410 of frame 1400. This may act to, for example, shape an outeredge of a wearer's breast 15 and push the breast volume upward and/ortoward the center of wearer's torso.

In many instances, a distance between under-bust band upper edge 1440and under-bust band lower edge 1435 at wrap-around portion referenceline 1470 may be greater than a distance between under-bust band upperedge 1440 and under-bust band lower edge 1435 at intermammary-cleftportion reference line 1405. This increased width of frame 300 mayprovide support for the distribution of weight from the wearer's breast15 to her torso 20 by, for example, providing support for a cantileverprojection extending from under-bust band upper edge 1440 as will bediscussed below.

Wrap-around portion 1445 may begin at, or near, wrap-around portionreference line 1470 and extend toward outside edge 1450. A size andshape of wrap-around portion 1445 is delineated by a wrap-around portionouter edge 1450, a wrap-around portion lower edge 1455, a wrap-aroundportion upper edge 1460 and wrap-around portion reference line 1470. Asmay be seen in FIGS. 14B and 14C, wrap-around portion outer edge 1450 isa substantially straight, substantially vertically oriented edgehowever, this need not be the case. For example, wrap-around portionouter edge 1450 may be oriented at an angle, may have a curved edge,and/or may have an irregular edge so as to, for example, minimize aprofile of the edge and/or maximize wearer's 10 comfort when worn.

In the examples of FIGS. 14A-14D, wrap-around portion lower edge 1455meets wrap-around portion outer edge 1450 at an angle of greater than90° thereby creating an upwardly sloping line, or edge, for wrap-aroundportion outer edge 1450. Wrap-around portion upper edge 1460 meetswrap-around outer edge 1450 at an angle of greater than 90° therebycreating an upwardly sloping line, or upper edge, until wrap-aroundportion upper edge 1460 extends to a peak 1465. The shape of wrap-aroundportion 1445 may be such that it avoids contact with the armpit regionof a wearer 10 when worn. Although peak 1465 is shown to be fairlypointy, or sharp, in FIGS. 14A-14D, this need not be the case as peak1465 may, in some instances, be curved or square shaped and/or an anglebetween edges 1440 and 1460 may be larger than shown in FIGS. 14A-14D.In some instances, frame 1400 may bend inwards (in the Z direction) atpeak 1465 so that when worn by a wearer 10, the peak portion of theframe may press into the wearer's skin or otherwise conform to a surfaceof the wearer's skin. In other instances, frame 1400 may bend outwards(in the Z direction) at peak 1465 so that when worn by a wearer 10, thepeak 1465 of the frame may not come into contact with the wearer's skinor otherwise conform to a surface of the wearer's skin.

As pictured in FIGS. 14A-14D, wrap-around portion lower edge 1455 has aslightly concave curvature so that it tapers upwards. This need notalways be the case for other frames like frame 1400 as a wrap-aroundportion lower edge 1455 of a different frame may be straight or may beat an angle oriented downwards.

One or more dimensions of wrap-around portion 1445 may be adjusted toaccommodate for differences in size or shape of a wearer 10. Forexample, wrap-around portion 1445 may be configured to extend in thedirection of side vertical midline 50 of a wearer 10 when worn and, onsome occasions, wrap-around portion 1445 may extend to side verticalmidline 50 and on other occasions, wrap-around portion 1445 may extendbeyond side vertical midline 50 to the wearer's posterior side 70 (e.g.,wrap around the wearer's lateral side and a portion of her posteriorside). In some instances, a thickness of wrap-around portion 1445 mayvary so that, for example, the wrap-around portion 1445 is thicker at,or near, the wrap-around portion reference line 1470 and thinner towardwrap-around portion outside edge 1450.

The lower edge of frame 1400 (i.e., inframammary-cleft portion loweredge 1425, under-bust portion lower edge 1435, and wrap-around portionlower edge 1455) form one continuous arc 1475 as shown in FIG. 14D. Attimes, arc 1475 may be a regularly shaped portion of an ellipse orparabola and, in other instances, arc 1475 may be irregularly shaped(i.e., the radius of curvature may change along the arc). In manyinstances, a shape of arc 1475 may approximate a cross-sectional shapeof a wearer's torso 20 at, or near, her inframammary fold (i.e., at ornear horizontal inframammary fold reference line 45) or below herinframammary fold (i.e., at or near first horizontal reference lineand/or second horizontal reference line 47). When held in an uprightposition (as shown in FIG. 14A) arc 1475 extends in the −Z direction ona Cartesian axis whereby an apex of arc 1475 is positioned roughly inthe center of under-bust band 1430 and a portion of arc 1475 near insideedge 1420 and a portion of arc 1475 near wrap-around portion outsideedge 1450 extends into the −Z plane to make the curvature of arc 1475.Further details regarding a shape of arc 1475 and how a wearer is sized(according to, for example, the second sizing convention) with anappropriately shaped arc 1475 are provided above with regard toprocesses 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and/or 1100 asshown in FIGS. 2A-11 and sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, 1520D, 1620A,1620B, 1620C, and/or 1660 as discussed below with regard to FIGS.15A-16G, respectively.

Although FIGS. 14A-14D show a frame 1400 designed to be worn on firstbreast 15A, it will be understood that frame 1400, and/or the dimensionsor manufacturing instructions used to manufacture frame 1400, may beadapted to correspond to the wearer's second breast 15 B by, forexample, using a mirror image of the dimensions used to manufactureframe 1400.

FIGS. 15A-15D provide four exemplary ellipse-like shapes 1500, 1501,1502 and 1503, respectively that approximate circumferential dimensionsof a respective first, second, third, and fourth wearer's torso 20 asmeasured at horizontal inframammary fold reference line 45. As shown inFIGS. 15A-15D, the circumference of the second wearer's torso/the sizeof ellipse 1501 is larger than the circumference of the first wearer'storso/the size of ellipse 1500; the circumference of the third wearer'storso/the size of ellipse 1502 is larger than the circumference of thesecond wearer's torso/the size of ellipse 1501; and the circumference ofthe fourth wearer's torso/the size of ellipse 1503 is larger than thecircumference of the third wearer's torso/the size of ellipse 1502 so asto represent a relatively increasing size of the first, second, third,and fourth wearer's torso along the series. It will be understood bythose of skill in the art that other shapes, or combinations of shapes,(e.g., square, oval, circle, etc.) may better approximate the dimensionsof the wearer's torso.

For the purpose of discussion, each of ellipses 1500, 1501, 1502, and1503 are divided into four quadrants, or arcs and is discussed as thoughit is in an X-Z plane that is perpendicular to the sagittal plane centermidline 25 with reference line 1510 representing the Z-axis andreference line 50 representing the X-axis. Reference line 50 of FIGS.15A-15D corresponds with vertical midline 50. An upper left arc 1525A,1525B, 1525C, and 1525D of ellipses 1500, 1501, 1502, and 1503,respectively, correspond to the first (i.e., left) anterior side 60 ofwearer 10. An upper right arc 1530A, 1530B, 1530C, and 1530D of ellipses1500, 1501, 1502, and 1503, respectively, corresponds to the second(i.e., right) anterior side 65 of wearer 10. A lower left arc 1535A,1535B, 1535C, and 1535D of ellipses 1500, 1501, 1502, and 1503,respectively, corresponds to the first (i.e., left) posterior side 70 ofwearer 10. A lower right arc 1540A, 1540B, 1540C, and 1540D of ellipses1500, 1501, 1502, and 1503, respectively, corresponds to the second(i.e., right) posterior side 75 of wearer 10.

FIGS. 15A-15D also provide an exemplary sizing arc 1520A, 1520B, 1520C,and 1520D, respectively. Sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D mayapproximate a cross-sectional shape of the wearer's torso at, or near,horizontal inframammary fold reference line 45 and, in some instances;one or more dimensions (e.g., length, radius of curvature, shape, etc.)of sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D may be determined usingdimensions of ellipses 1500, 1501, 1502, and 1503, respectively, (e.g.,upper right arc 1530 and/or lower right arc 1540). In some instances,sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D may be a virtual, ormathematical, approximation of the shape of the wearer's torso 20generated by a processor or computer, such as wearer/user device 115,sizing computer system 140 and/or production system 150, based on amathematical approximation of a wearer's torso 20. At times, thismathematical approximation may be made via execution of one or more ofprocesses 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and/or 1100 or aportion or combination thereof. In other instances, one or more virtualpre-generated sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D may be matchedwith an ellipse like ellipses 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520Dapproximating one or more dimensions of a particular wearer 10.Additionally, or alternatively, one or more sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B,1520C, and 1520D may be manufactured and/or physically rendered using,for example, plastic or other material for manually matching aparticular sizing arc 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D with a wearer'storso 20 as described in greater detail below.

One or more dimensions and/or relative proportions of a particularsizing arc 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D may be determined and/or usedto select a sizing arc from a plurality of predetermined and/orpreviously manufactured sizing arcs based on one or more of thedimensions and/or relative proportions of arc(s) 1530A, 1530B, 1530C,1530D, 1540A, 1540B, 1540C, and/or 1540D for a respective one of first,second, third, and/or fourth wearer, respectively. In some instances,the dimensions along the entire curvature of arc(s) 1530A, 1530B, 1530C,1530D, 1540A, 1540B, 1540C, and/or 1540D may be used so determine a sizefor a respective one of first, second, third, and/or fourth wearer,respectively. In other instances, one or more points along arc(s) 1530A,1530B, 1530C, 1530D, 1540A, 1540B, 1540C, and/or 1540D for a respectiveone of first, second, third, and/or fourth wearer, (as opposed to theentire curvature) may be used to determine a dimension of sizing arc1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and/or 1520D and/or select a particular sizing arc1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and/or 1520D from the plurality for a respectiveone of first, second, third, and/or fourth wearer. For example, anapproximation of the shape of a wearer's torso may be made bydetermining a value along the X-axis when Z equals 0, a value along theZ-axis when X equals 0, and, in some instances, a set of coordinates forone or more points along the arc(s) 1530A, 1530B, 1530C, 1530D, 1540A,1540B, 1540C, and/or 1540D may be used to determine dimensions for asizing arc 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and/or 1520D and/or select a sizing arc1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and/or 1520D from a plurality of sizing arcs. Insome embodiments, the plurality of sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C,and/or 1520D may be manufactured as a tool for manually determining asize of a wearer 10 (via, e.g., placing a number of sizing arcs upagainst the wearer 10 in order to determine which one best approximatesthe size and shape of the wearer) without the use of ellipses 1500,1501, 1502, and/or 1503 and/or measurements of wearer 10.

Although not shown in FIG. 15A, 15B, 15C, or 15D it will be understoodby those of skill in the art that another sizing arc (not shown) withdimensions that may mirror one or more dimensions of sizing arc(s)1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and/or 1520D may also be used. This sizing arc havemany of the same characteristics as sizing arc 1520A, 1520B, 1520C,and/or 1520D but may be designed to approximate and/or correspond to thedimensions of arc(s) 1525A, 1525B, 1525C, 1525D, 1535A, 1535B, 1535C,and/or 1535D.

In one embodiment, one or more dimensions of sizing arc(s) 1520A, 1520B,1520C, and/or 1520D may be used to design, make, or select an exemplaryframe, support structure, casing, and/or housing such as the frames,support structures, casings, and housings disclosed herein. For example,sizing arc 1525A, 1525B, 1525C, and/or 1525D may be used to determineand/or select one or more dimensions (e.g., curvature, length, width,etc.) for arc 1475 and, in other instances, the dimensions of sizingarc(s) 1525A, 1525B, 1525C, 1525D may correspond to the dimensions ofintermammary-cleft portion, 1410, under-bust band 1430, and/orwrap-around portion 1445 such as intermammary-cleft portion lower edge1425, under-bust band lower edge 1435, and/or wrap-around portion loweredge 1455. Additionally, or alternatively, sizing arc(s) 1520A, 1520B,1520C, and/or 1520D may correspond to one or more sizes of the secondsizing convention.

In another embodiment, a plurality of physical sizing arcs like sizingarcs 1525A, 1525B, 1525C, 1525D may be physically generated/produced andeach sizing arc of the plurality may have a different set of dimensions(i.e., be of a different size/shape) that may, in some cases, correspondwith the second sizing convention. Each of the sizing arcs of theplurality may correspond to a frame, support structure, and/or casing asdescribed herein of a different size and/or shape (e.g., a different setof dimensions for arc 1475, intermammary-cleft portion 1410, under-bustband 1430, and/or wrap-around portion 1445).

In the examples of FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, the curvature of thesizing arcs 1520A, 1520 b, 1520C, and 1520D closely matches thecurvature of the arc 1530A 1530B, 1530C, or 1530D, respectively, and arespective portion of arc 1540A, 1540B, 1540C, or 1540D. In theseexamples, the sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D are intended towrap around the side of the wearer's torso past reference line 50, butnot extend all the way around to the wearer's posterior to, for example,reference line 1510. However, in some instances, a curvature of thesizing arc 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D may be selected that does notclosely match the curvature of, for example, arc 1530A 1530B, 1530C, or1530D and a respective portion of arc 1540A, 1540B, 1540C, or 1540D. Inthese instances, a differently shaped curvature for sizing arc 1520A,1520 b, 1520C, or 1520C may be desired so as to, for example, repositionbreast volume in a desired way, optimize comfort for wearing a garmentincluding a frame, support structure, and/or casing manufactured and/orselected for the wearer, and/or compensate for a feature of a garmentthat includes a frame, casing, support structure, and/or housingexamples of which are disclosed herein.

Additionally, or alternatively, the size and shape of ellipse(s) 1500,1501, 1502, or 1503 may be used to determine an appropriate distancebetween reference line 1510 and the starting point of sizing arc(s)1520, 1520B, 1520C and/or 1520D so that, for example, a positioning of aframe, support structure, and/or casing within a housing or garment maybe responsive to the dimensions of the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, a length of sizing arcs 1520A,1520B, 1520C, and 1520D (i.e., how far the arc wraps around a wearer)may be responsive to the size of the wearer. In the embodiments of thesefigures, the sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D wrap around to areference line 1545, which extends from the intersection of referenceline 1510 and vertical reference line 50 at an angle to verticalreference line 50 so that reference line 1545 is coincident with an endof sizing arc 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and 1520D. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, the angle between vertical reference line50 and reference line 1545 decreases in magnitude (i.e., reference line1545 moves closer to vertical reference line 50) as the size of ellipse1500, 1501, 1502, and 1503 increases. In this way, sizing arc 1520D doesnot extend as far around the relatively large ellipse 1503 as sizing arc1520D extends around the relatively smaller ellipse 1500. This may offera few benefits such as, for example, interchangeability of frames,support structures, and/or casings between sizes (e.g., a sizing arc1520A may be adapted so that it may be worn with a wearer whoapproximates ellipse 1502 by expanding sizing arc 1502A around her).Another benefit is that larger wearers typically have softer tissue ontheir back. Having less of their back covered with the sizing arc or acorresponding frame, support structure, or casing would mean the sizingarc would be less likely to press into the soft tissue and createunwanted bulges of tissue. A further benefit is that when the anglebetween vertical reference line 50 and reference line 1545 is relativelysmall, this enables a larger portion of the cantilevering of the frame,support structure, and/or casing to be provided closer to the breasttissue than when the angle is relatively larger. This allows the sizingarc to provide greater support for a cantilever projection for largerwearers and/or wearers with larger breasts.

FIGS. 16A-16F provide a set of figures that illustrate a set of sizingarcs 1620A, 1620B, and 1620C that may be determined, used, and/orselected to approximate dimensions of a wearer's torso 20 and/ordetermine a size or shape for a frame, support structure, casing, and/orhousing for a wearer 10. While only three sizing arcs are shown in FIGS.16A-16F, it will be understood that any number (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, and so on) of sizing arcs may be appropriate/used. Sizing arcs maycorrespond to dimensions of a frame, support structure, and/or casing,such as frame 1400, support structure 1800, casing 2700, and/or housing3400 as is discussed below in greater detail. More particularly, FIGS.16A-16C each show an ellipse 1601, 1602, and 1603, respectively thatapproximately correspond (in a manner similar to ellipses 1500-1503) toa size and shape of cross sections of an exemplary wearer's 10 torso athorizontal inframammary fold reference line 45, first horizontalreference line 46, and second horizontal reference line 47,respectively. In the example of FIGS. 16A-16C, the dimensions of wearer10 as they progress from horizontal inframammary fold reference line 45through second horizontal reference line 47 increase in size (i.e., acircumference of the wearer's torso at second horizontal reference line47 is larger than a circumference of wearer's torso 20 at horizontalinframammary fold reference line 45) as may be the case when wearer 10is overweight. More specifically, FIG. 16A shows ellipse 1601,represents an approximation of the cross-sectional dimensions of thewearer's 10 torso at, or near, horizontal inframammary fold referenceline 45; ellipse 1602 represents an approximation of the cross-sectionaldimensions of the wearer's 10 torso at, or near, first horizontalreference line 46; and ellipse 1603, which represents an approximationof the cross-sectional dimensions of the wearer's 10 torso at, or near,second horizontal reference line 47. Ellipses 1601, 1602, and 1603 areoriented in the Z-Y plane that is perpendicular to the sagittal planecenter midline 25 with reference line 1510 representing the Z-axis andvertical reference line 50 (which corresponds with vertical referenceline 50) representing the X-axis. An upper left arc 1625A, 1625B, and1625C of ellipses 1601, 1602, and 1603, respectively correspond to thefirst (i.e., left) anterior side 60 of wearer 10. An upper right arc1630A, 1630B, and 1630C of ellipses 1601, 1602, and 1603, respectivelycorrespond to the second (i.e., right) anterior side 65 of wearer 10. Alower left arc 1635A, 1635B, and 1635C of ellipses 1601, 1602, and 1603,respectively corresponds to the first (i.e., left) posterior side 70 ofwearer 10. A lower right arc 1640A, 1640B, and 1640C of ellipses 1601,1602, and 1603, respectively corresponds to the second (i.e., right)posterior side 75 of wearer 10.

Ellipses 1601, 1602, and/or 1603 as well as sizing arcs 1620A, 1620B,and/or 1620C may be mathematical approximations of a wearer's dimensionsgenerated by a processor or computer, such as wearer/user device 115,sizing computer system 140 and/or production system 150, based on amathematical approximation of a wearer's torso 20. At times, thesemathematical approximations may be made via execution of one or more ofprocesses 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and/or 1100 or aportion or combination thereof.

FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary first sizing arc 1620A that bearssimilarity to sizing arc(s) 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and/or 1520D exceptthat it is of a different size/has a different set of dimensions (e.g.,length, radius of curvature, shape, etc.) that correspond to the sizeand shape of upper right arc 1630A and/or a portion of lower right arc1640A. Like sizing arc(s) 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, and/or 1520D, one or moredimensions of first sizing arc 1620A may be used to design and/or makean exemplary frame, support structure, and/or casing, such as theframes, support structures, and casings disclosed herein.

FIG. 16B illustrates an exemplary second sizing arc 1620B that bearssimilarity to first sizing arc 1620A except that it is of a differentsize/has a different set of dimensions (e.g., length, radius ofcurvature, shape, etc.) that correspond to the size and shape of upperright arc 1630B and/or a portion of lower right arc 1640B. Like firstsizing arc 1620A, one or more dimensions of second sizing arc 1620B maybe used to design and/or make an exemplary frame, support structure, orcasing, such as the frames and casings disclosed herein as will bediscussed below.

FIG. 16C illustrates an exemplary third sizing arc 1620C that bearssimilarity to second sizing arc 1620B except that it is of a differentsize/has a different set of dimensions (e.g., length, radius ofcurvature, shape, etc.) that correspond to the size and shape of upperright arc 1630C and/or a portion of lower right arc 1640B. Like firstand second sizing arcs 1620A and 1620B, one or more dimensions of thirdsizing arc 1620C may be used to design and/or make an exemplary frame,support structure, and/or casing, such as the frames support structures,and/or casings disclosed herein as will be discussed below.

FIG. 16D provides a diagram of first, second, and third sizing arcs1620A, 1620B, and 1620C, respectively, as viewed from above andsuperimposed with one another thereby providing a contour map 1604showing how the size, shape, and/or position of sizing arcs 1620A,1620B, and 1620C relate to one another with regard to reference lines 50and 1510. Contour map 1604 may then be used to determine variousdimensions (e.g., curvature, length, width, etc.) for arc 1475, frame1400, support structure 1800, and/or casing 2700 as shown in FIGS. 16Eand 16F. Additionally, or alternatively, contour map 1604 and/or sizingarcs 1601, 1602, and/or 1603 may be used to determine and/or select awearer's second sizing convention size according to, for example,process 200 as discussed above.

FIG. 16E shows a cross-section of an exemplary support structure 1605that includes a volumetric cup portion 1810 and an under-bust band 1430as bisected vertically through a center of the volumetric cup portion1810. Support structures like support structure 1605 and volumetric cupportions like volumetric cup portion 1810 will be discussed in greaterdetail below with regard to FIGS. 18A-18F. FIG. 16E also shows a firstsizing arc position 1620A′, a second sizing arc position 1620B′, andthird sizing arc position 1620C′, all of which have positions thatcorrespond with different portions under-bust band 1430.

Support structure 1605 may be manufactured and/or selected for thewearer 10 whose measurements were used to determine ellipses 1601, 1602,and 1603 and/or first, second, and/or third sizing arcs 1620A, 1620B,and 1620C. Support structure 1605 has a length determined by thedistance between first sizing arc position 1620A′ and third sizing arcposition 1620C′ and is positioned at an angle 1645 relative to verticalreference line 1610. Vertical reference line 1610 is intended toapproximately superimpose, or line up, with vertical inframammary foldreference line 52. The size of angle 1645 may be determined by arelative distance between first sizing arc position 1620A′ and secondsizing arc position 1620B′, first sizing arc position 1620A′ and thirdsizing arc position 1620C′, and/or second sizing arc position 1620B′ andthird sizing arc position 1620C′ as provided by, for example, contourmap like contour map 1604. In the example of support structure 1605, theangle/plane of under-bust band 1430 is constant for the length ofunder-bust band 1430 (i.e., the magnitude of angle 1645 does not changealong the length).

In some embodiments, like the support structure 1606 provided by FIG.16F, the cross-section of under-bust band 1430 may vary according to,for example, dimensions of a wearer 10 and/or ellipses 1601, 1602,and/or 1603. As shown in FIG. 16F, a first portion of under-bust band1430 between first sizing arc position 1620A′ and second sizing arcposition 1620B′ is substantially parallel with vertical reference line1610 and a second portion of under-bust band 1430 between second sizingarc position 1620B′ and third sizing arc position 1620C′ is oriented atan angle 1645 relative to vertical reference line 1610. This shape ofsupport structure 1606 and/or under-bust band 1430 may fit a wearer whois smaller than the wearer for support structure 1605. Additionally, oralternatively, a shape of support structure 1606 and/or under-bust band1430 may fit a wearer whose abdomen extends outward as may occur when,for example, the wearer is obese or is pregnant. In some instances, ajunction in under-bust band 1430 between sizing arc positions 1620B′ and1620C′ may be flexible so as to enable under-bust band 1430 to bend orflex about this joint.

In some instances, the sizing arcs of FIGS. 15A-15D and 16A-16F may besimilar to, and/or the same as, the under-bust bands discussed hereinand a lower edge of the sizing arcs and/or a lower edge thereof may beshaped like arc 1475. At times, a frame, support structure, casing,and/or housing (or a portion thereof) as discussed herein may besubstituted for the sizing arcs disclosed herein to, for example,establish a size of a wearer by directly comparing her body with therespective frame, support structure, casing, and/or housing.

Additionally, or alternatively, the sizing arcs of FIGS. 15A-15D and16A-16F may be adapted to determine a size and/or shape of a wearer'sinframammary fold by, for example, providing a series of different sizesand shapes for an inframammary fold for comparison to the wearer'sanatomy/inframammary fold. An example of a sizing arc that may be usedto determine a size of a wearer's inframammary fold 1655 (or aninframammary fold sizing arc) is provided by FIG. 16G. In the example ofFIG. 16G, an example of a wearer's inframammary fold 1655 thatcorresponds with the second front side 65 of her body and/or her secondbreast 15B is shown along with inframammary fold sizing arc 1660 thatclosely matches the shape and size of inframammary fold 1665.

In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of inframammary fold 1665 maybe a mathematical approximation of the wearer's inframammary folddetermined by, for example, a computer or processor (e.g., wearer/userdevice 115, sizing computer system 140 and/or production system 150)responsively to information received and/or determined via execution ofone or more of processes 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000,and/or 1100 or a portion or combination thereof in, for example, amanner similar to sizing arcs 1520A, 1520B, 1520C, 1520D, 1620A, 1620B,and/or 1620C, sizing arc 1660 and/or a shape or size of sizing arc upperedge 1665. Additionally, or alternatively, inframammary fold 1655 may bethe wearer's actual, physical, inframammary fold and a plurality oftangible inframammary fold sizing arcs 1660 may be physically embodiedas a set of inframammary fold sizing arcs 1660 and a wearer'sinframammary arc size/shape may be manually determined by holding up oneor more inframammary fold sizing arcs 1660 to the wearer's inframammaryfold 1655 until the inframammary fold sizing arcs 1660 with an upperedge 1665 matching or approximating a size/shape of inframammary fold1655 is determined. The inframammary fold sizing arc 1660 selected ordetermined (manually and/or mathematically) may be incorporated into,for example, the wearer's second sizing convention size as discussedabove with regard to process 200.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C provide an image of wearer 10 wearing anexemplary frame 1400 A on her first anterior side 60 and a frame 1400 Bon her second anterior side 65 as seen from the anterior, lateral, andposterior sides of wearer 10, respectively. Frames 1400 A and 1400 B areprimarily positioned underneath the wearer's first breast 15 A andsecond breast 15 B. so that under-bust band upper edge 1440 aligns with(e.g., fits under) the wearer's first and second breasts 15 A and 15 Band/or her inframammary folds. It is expected that wearer 10 will wearframes 1400 A and 1400 B when they are positioned within and/or coupledto a support structure, casing, housing, and/or garment (not shown) asdiscussed herein and FIGS. 17A-17C provide an example of how frames 1400A and 1400 B would be correspond with wearer's torso 20 when worn and sopositioned. In some embodiments, frames 1400 A and 1400 B may be of thesame, or similar, dimensions but may be mirror images of one anotherand, in other embodiments, a size or shape of frame 1400 A may bedifferent from a size or shape of frame 1400 B (and vise-versa) as maybe needed or preferred when, for example, breast 15 A is not the samesize or shape as breast 15 B or when a breast 15 A and/or 15 B has beenremoved (via, for example, mastectomy) or is being replaced or augmentedwith a prosthetic breast or other padding.

A shape and/or intended position of frames 1400 A and 1400 B may serveto improve the comfort of wearing the respective frame and/or a supportstructure, casing, and/or garment including same. For example, frames1400 A and 1400 B may redistribute breast weight to the wearer's torsoand serve to increase the surface area of the wearer's body to which thebreast weight is applied/redistributed, which thereby decreases thepressure applied to the wearer's skin/torso compared with traditionalbras and bra-like garments.

As may be seen in FIG. 17A, inside edge 1420 of intermammary-cleftportion 1410 of frames 1400 A and 1400 B are positioned near, andapproximately parallel to, sagittal plane center midline 25. In mostcases, inside edge 1420 of frames 1400 A and 1400 B will not touch oneanother when worn so as to, for example, provide flexibility for agarment into which frames 1400 A and 1400 B are included and/or enablethe opening of the garment via, for example, a center closure device.However, in some cases, frames 1400 A and 1400 B may touch along insideedge 1420 and/or be two sides of a single frame structure that is onepiece, or multiple pieces coupled or bonded together via, for example, aflexible junction. In this way, frames 1400 A and 1400 B may beincorporated into a garment or bra that opens in the front, back, ordoesn't open (e.g., is pulled on over the wearer's head).

Intermammary-cleft portions 1410 of frames 1400 A and 1400 B,respectively, may be, for example, positioned along the vertical axisintersecting with line 40 or underneath a bottom portion of wearer'srespective first and second breasts 15 A and 15 B. Theintermammary-cleft portions 1410 may serve to, for example, separateand/or shape wearer's respective first and second breasts 15 A and 15 Band a size and/or shape of under-bust band upper edge 1440 mayapproximate a shape of the bottom portion of breasts 15 A and/or 15 Band/or an underside of breasts 15 A and/or 15 B and/or the wearer'sinframammary fold surrounding breasts 15 A and/or 15 B.Intermammary-cleft portion 1410 and/or under-bust band portion 1450 mayassist with (i.e., provide support for) a cantilevered volumetric cupportion proximate thereto as will be discussed in further detail below.

FIG. 17C provides a lateral side view of wearer's first side 60 andfirst breast 15 A, which shows an example of how wrap-around portion1445 may correspond to wearer's torso 20 under her arm (in FIG. 17C, aportion of wearer's arm has been removed so that the positioning ofwrap-around portion 1445 may be clearly seen). In the example of FIG.17C, wrap-around portion 1445 spans the width of the lateral side ofwearer's torso and wraps around a portion of her posterior as shown inFIG. 17B. In this way, wrap-around portion 1445 may assist with (i.e.,provide support for) a cantilevered volumetric cup portion proximatethereto as will be discussed in further detail below.

FIGS. 18A-18F provide front, back, outside, inside, top, and bottomviews, respectively, of an exemplary support structure 1800 thatincludes a frame 1400 and a volumetric cup portion 1810. In someembodiments, support structure 1800 may be the same as and/or sharecharacteristics with support structure(s) 1605 and/or 1606. Volumetriccup portion 1810 may be similar to volumetric cup portion 1810 asdiscussed above with regard to FIGS. 16E and 16F. Volumetric cup portion1810 is proximate to under-bust band 1430 along the curvature of upperedge of under-bust band 1430 and abuts intermammary-cleft portion 1410along intermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405 on the inner sideand wrap-around portion 1445 along wrap-around portion reference line1470. In some embodiments, a portion of under-bust band 1430 and/orupper edge of under-bust band 1430 may be shaped to approximate a shapeof a wearer's inframammary fold as determined by, for example, process200 and/or sizing arc 1660 as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 2A-2Cand 16G, respectively. Additionally, or alternatively, a border and/ordemarcation line between volumetric cup portion 1810 and the frame 1400may be shaped to approximate a shape of a wearer's inframammary fold. Insome instances, the boarder may have a curved or gradual transitionbetween under-bust band 1430 and volumetric cup portion 1810.Additionally, or alternatively, the boarder between under-bust band 1430and/or upper edge of under-bust band 1430 and volumetric cup portion1810 may be configured so that a portion thereof does not abut, ortouch, a wearer's skin or breast 15 when worn.

In some embodiments, an aspect of volumetric cup portion 1810,under-bust band 1430, and/or upper edge of under-bust band 1430 (e.g.,thickness of material and/or type of material used) may be different at,or near, the boarder between under-bust band 1430 and/or upper edge ofunder-bust band 1430 and volumetric cup portion 1810. For example, athickness of volumetric cup portion 1810, under-bust band 1430, and/orupper edge of under-bust band 1430 may be greater at the border and/ordemarcation between volumetric cup portion 1810 and frame 1400 than atan upper edge of the volumetric cup portion and/or a lower edge ofunder-bust band 1435. Additionally, or alternatively, a thickness ofvolumetric cup portion 1810, under-bust band 1430, and/or upper edge ofunder-bust band 1430 may be greater on a first side (e.g., at, or near,inframammary cleft portion 1410) than on a second side (e.g., at, ornear, wrap-around portion 1445).

Volumetric cup portion 1810 may be shaped, or configured, to define alower portion of a substantially semi-spherical-like or parabolic-likeshape that extends orthogonally, or substantially orthogonally, from theunder-bust band 1430. Volumetric cup portion 1810 may be adapted to bepositioned in an underside portion of a breast cup of a frame, casing,housing, garment, or other structure (not shown) and is shaped so as toaccommodate acceptance of a portion of an underside of a breast, such asbreast 15, therein.

In some instances, volumetric cup portion 1810 is a cantilever anchoredor supported by the frame 1400 and/or a portion thereof. When volumetriccup portion 1810 is subjected to a load via, for example, placement of awearer's breast (or portion thereof) therein/thereon, frame 1400,wrap-around portion 1445, and/or under-bust band 1430 may support thatload and redistribute it to the wearer's torso 20 when support structure1800 is worn by a wearer 10. Volumetric cup portion 1810 may also act toshape the wearer's breasts 15 in a desired fashion by repositioningbreast volume to a preferred location (e.g., in toward the intermammarycleft, away from the intermammary cleft, upward (i.e., toward thewearer's head), outward, and/or inward).

An upper edge of volumetric cup portion 1810 may be of a uniform shapeand/or may have one or more shapes, such as first curved upper edge 1815and second curved upper edge 1820 along its length. It will beunderstood by those of skill in the art that other embodiments ofvolumetric cup portion 1810 may have any number of edges or curves(e.g., a single edge (i.e., not a combination of first and second curvedupper edges), or three curved edges). For example, in some embodiments,an upper edge of volumetric cup portion 1810 may have a relativelyuniformly curving edge while, in other embodiments, an upper edge ofvolumetric cup portion 1810 may have repetitive arc or organic shapesthat may act to interrupt a straight, or curved line along upper edge ofvolumetric cup portion 1810. The features along upper edge of volumetriccup portion 1810 may provide greater flexibility for support structure1800 by allowing the support structure 1800 to flex and contourdepending on and/or in response to, for example, a weight of a breast,like breast 15A or 15B positioned within volumetric cup portion 1810, asize according to the second sizing convention, and/or a movement of awearer and/or breast when positioned within volumetric cup portion 1810.

In some instances, upper edge of under-bust band 1430 may be configuredto sit, or abut, the wearer's torso 20 under her breast 15 A or 15 B(e.g., at, or near, her inframammary fold) and may be adapted to joinwith volumetric cup portion 1810 to create cantilever projection in ashape that surrounds a portion of the breast tissue of breast 15 A or 15B and shapes the breast tissue into a pre-determined volumetric cupshape as defined by the shape or contours of volumetric cup portion1810, upper edge of under-bust band 1430, support structure 1800, and/orframe 1400 or a casing and/or housing like casing 2700 and/or housing3400 as discussed below.

In some embodiments, upper edge of under-bust band 1430 may create ashelf edge to contour the breast tissue into the shape of volumetric cupportion 1810. Upper edge of under-bust band 1430 may also serve as ajunction point for the cantilever projection of volumetric cup portion1810 where the volumetric cup portion 1810 joins under-bust band 1410and extends outward therefrom at an angle (e.g., 45°-160°). Themagnitude of projection of volumetric cup portion 1810 (i.e., how farvolumetric cup portion 1810 extends from under-bust band 1430) may varyalong the length of the upper edge of under-bust band 1430. In someembodiments, a magnitude of projection may be at a maximum in the centerof the volumetric cup portion 1810 that may align, along the Y-axis,with an apex of volumetric cup portion 1810 and/or a desired apex of thewearer's breasts when wearing support structure 1800. Additionally, oralternatively, a magnitude of how far cantilever projection ofvolumetric cup portion 1810 extends from under-bust band 1430 may be atmaximum at, or near, a lowest point in the curvature of the upper edgeof under-bust band 1430. The amount of projection of volumetric cupportion 1810 may gradually decrease (to e.g., zero, or nearly zero)along its length moving toward wrap-around portion 1445 and/orintermammary-cleft portion 1410 at, or near, wrap-around portionreference line 1470 and/or intermammary-cleft portion 1410 at, or near,intermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405, respectively. Stateddifferently, a magnitude of cantilever projection of volumetric cupportion 1810 from under-bust band 1430 may blend into one another atwrap-around portion 1445 so they form a planar surface at, or near,wrap-around portion reference line 1470 for wrap-around portion 1445and/or the volumetric cup portion 1810 and under-bust band 1430 blendinto one another into so they form a planar surface at, or near,intermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405. This tapering mayincrease the comfort of wearing support structure 1800 and/or a casingor housing including a support structure 1800 at least because it mayposition the breast tissue forward in volumetric cup portion 1810 while,in some instances, removing/reducing friction between the wearer'slateral side (under her arm) and/or breast (when for example, comparedwith a traditional under-wire bra).

In some embodiments, an angle between volumetric cup portion 1810 andthe upper edge of under-bust band 1430 may be consistent along itslength. In other embodiments, the angle between volumetric cup portion1810 and the upper edge of under-bust band 1430 may very along itslength so that, for example, a magnitude of the angle is at a minimumat, or near, a lowest point in the curvature of the upper edge ofunder-bust band 1430 and gradually increases along its length movingtoward wrap-around portion 1445 (e.g., wrap-around portion referenceline 1470) and/or intermammary-cleft portion 1410 (e.g.,intermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405) to become close to 180°so that the cantilever projection of volumetric cup portion 1810 maygradually taper into wrap-around portion 1445 and/or intermammary-cleftportion 1410 at, or near, wrap-around portion reference line 1470 and/orintermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405, respectively. Stateddifferently, volumetric cup portion 1810 and under-bust band 1430 blendinto one another at wrap-around portion 1445 so they form a planarsurface at, or near, wrap-around portion reference line 1470 forwrap-around portion 1445 and/or the volumetric cup portion 1810 andunder-bust band 1430 blend into one another so they form a planarsurface at, or near, intermammary-cleft portion reference line 1405 asmay be seen in FIGS. 18B, 18C, and 18D. This tapering may increase thecomfort of wearing support structure 1800 and/or a casing or housingincluding a support structure 1800 at least because it will position thebreast tissue forward in volumetric cup portion 1810 but removes/reducesfriction and/or pressure points between the wearer's lateral side (underher arm) and/or breast (when for example, compared with a traditionalunder-wire bra).

In some embodiments, an interior side of a lower edge of volumetric cupportion 1810 (or a portion thereof) may not be aligned with an exteriorside of lower edge of volumetric cup portion 1810 (or a portionthereof). For example, a portion of an interior side of lower edge ofvolumetric cup portion 1810 may be higher or lower than a portion of anexterior side lower edge of volumetric cup portion 1810. Thisarrangement may be advantageous when, for example, it is desired to pushbreast tissue upwards or achieve a desired silhouetted for the wearer'sbreasts when wearing support structure 1800.

In most embodiments, a curvature, or shape, of upper edge of under-bustband 1430, or the shelf created therewith, transitions from the frontmost part of inframammary cleft portion 1410 to the wrap-around portion1445, which is configured to align with the wearer's lateral side whenworn. The contour of this shelf may be most prominent (i.e., extend thefurthest outward) at, or near, a portion of the volumetric cup portion1810 configured to align (along the Y-axis) with an apex of the wearer'sbreast tissue and/or near the center under-bust band 1430 as measured asthe midpoint between inframammary cleft portion reference line 1405 andwrap around portion reference line 1470 to create a ridge thattransitions (or decreases in size) by gradually blending into wraparound portion 1445 at a mid-point height of support structure 1800. Thewrap-around portion 1445 may be configured to contour the breast shapeinto the volumetric cup portion 1810 and, in some instances, may beadapted to minimize friction between the wearer's torso 20 and/or breast15 A or 15 B and at, or near, wrap around portion reference line 1470 byway of, for example, a ridge, or shelf, gradually blending into thewrap-around portion 1445 so that it is flush, or planar, with the planeof the wrap-around portion 1445.

In the embodiment pictured in FIGS. 18A-18F, first curved upper edge1815 extends from peak 1825 downward in a curved c-shaped fashion andmeets second curved upper edge 1820 at, or near, an apex of volumetriccup portion on the Z-axis. In some embodiments, a material used tomanufacture volumetric cup portion 1810 may be the same as the materialused to manufacture frame 1400. When different materials are used, amore-rigid material (e.g., plastic) may be used for frame 1400 and aless-rigid material (e.g., thinner plastic and/or foam) may be used forvolumetric cup portion 1810.

In some instances, support structure 1800 and/or frame 1400 may includetwo or more pieces joined together via, for example, chemical,mechanical, or heat bonding processes. Additionally, or alternatively,support structure 1800 and/or frame 1400 may be coupled together viamechanical means. Joints between two or more pieces that make up asupport structure 1800 and/or a frame 1400 and/or join together a frame1400 and a support structure 1800 may be flexible via, for example, useof a flexible joining material and/or a structure of frame 1400 and/orsupport structure 1800 and, in other instances, the joints may be rigidvia, for example, use of a rigid joining material and/or a structure offrame 1400 and/or support structure 1800. Additionally, oralternatively, one or more joints may vary in thickness when comparedwith surrounding material comprising support structure 1800, under-bustband 1430, and/or volumetric cup portion 1810. This variation inthickness may be configured to provide flexibility to, for example,support structure 1800, under-bust band 1430, and/or volumetric cupportion 1810. Additional flexibility may be created via the use ofmultiple joints throughout the frame 1400 or volumetric cup portion1810. The flexibility may be configured accommodate a change in breastsize and/or volume that may be caused by, for example, hormonal orweight fluctuations or movement by, for example, expanding and/orcontracting of frame 1400, support structure 1800, and/or jointstherebetween.

In other embodiments, a material used to manufacture both frame 1400 andvolumetric cup portion 1810 may be the same throughout, but a thicknessof the material may be different. In this embodiment, a thickness offrame 1400 may be greater than that of volumetric cup portion 1810and/or a thickness of material used to manufacture support structure1800 may be thickest at, or near, under-bust band upper edge 1440 andmay get increasingly thinner as under-bust band extends towardunder-bust-band lower edge 1435 and volumetric-cup-portion upper firstand/or second curved upper edges 1815 and/or 1820. Additionally, oralternatively, an outer side (e.g., near wrap around portion referenceline 1470) of volumetric cup of 1810 may be thicker and/or stiffer ormore rigid than other portions of support structure 1800 and/or frame1400 to support the weight of a breast 15 A or 15 B and, in someinstances, reposition breast volume toward a front portion of volumetriccup portion 1810 near, for example, an apex (along, for example, theZ-axis) or center of volumetric cup portion 1810. Stated differently,the outer portion of volumetric cup portion 1810 may be configured topush, or otherwise reposition, breast volume located at the side ofbreast 15 A or 15 B when, for example, no bra is worn toward the centerof the wearer's chest, or center vertical midline 25, therebyrepositioning breast volume toward the center of the wearer's body andaway from her sides (i.e., away from vertical midline 50). In thisexample, the relative thinness of a front portion of volumetric cupportion 1810 when compared with the thickness of the side may beconfigured to provide flexibility to the support structure. In someinstances, variations in a thickness of support structure 1800 and/orframe 1400 may be responsive to a wearer's breast volume, mass, and/orsize as determined by, for example, one or more of process(es) 1400,300, 400, 500, 1800, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 discussed above.Additionally, or alternatively, a volumetric cup portion 1810 and frame1400 may comprise material of differing thickness and/or structuredepending on, for example, the wearer's cup volume and/or desired breastvolume displacement.

Exemplary garments that may incorporate support structure 1800 include,but are not limited to, bras, sports bras, compression bras, bralettes,corsets, bustiers, camisoles, swimsuits, sports tops, shirts, anddresses. Although FIGS. 18A-18F show a support structure 1800 designedto be worn on breast 15 B, it will be understood that the supportstructure 1800, and/or the dimensions or manufacturing instructions usedto manufacture support structure 1800, may be adapted to correspond tothe wearer's breast 15 A by, for example, using a mirror image of thedimensions used to manufacture support structure 1800. In someembodiments, support structure 1800 may be used to, for example,establish dimensions for, and/or a shape of, a support structure thatmay be adaptable to many (e.g., 4-40) different sizes (of, for example,the second sizing convention) via, for example, scaling up or down oneor more dimensions thereof.

Holes or openings present in support structure 1800 and/or frame 1400(as shown in FIGS. 14A-14D, 18A-18F) are optional and, in some instancesmay not be included in an exemplary support structure 1800 and/or frame1400. The holes or openings may serve to, for example, provideventilation, decrease weight, improve flexibility, and so on. The holesor openings provided in frame 1400 and/or support structure 1800 may beof any shape or size. The holes or openings provided in frame 1400and/or support structure 1800 may be made by any appropriate processincluding, but not limited to, injection molds that include the holes,and/or punching, cutting, and/or stamping out material and/or may bepart of the manufacturing process using, for example, 3D printing or theoverlay of materials with perforations or openings therebetween. Theplacement of holes/openings throughout support structure 1800 and frame1400 shown in FIGS. 14A-14D and 18A-18F is just one example of howholes/openings may be placed throughout support structure 1800 and frame1400. For example, the holes or perforations provided throughout supportstructure 1800 and frame 1400 may be arranged in a regular pattern(e.g., a grid-like pattern) and/or may be spaced so as to concentraterigidity (i.e., less holes) in areas of the support structure 1800and/or frame 1400 configured to bear more breast weight, such as in wraparound portion 1445, upper edge of under-bust band 1430. Additionally,or alternatively, holes or perforations provided throughout supportstructure 1800 and frame 1400 may be arranged in areas of the supportstructure 1800 and/or frame 1400 configured to bear less breast weightand provide flexibility via, for example, the use of more holes, inareas of the support structure 1800 and/or frame 1400 configured to bearless breast weight, such as near intermammary cleft portion 1410 orfirst curved upper edge 1815. Additionally, or alternatively, the holesmay be of various sizes so that, for example, greater rigidity may beachieved through the use of relatively small holes and greaterflexibility may be achieved by the use of regularly large holes.

Support structure 1800 may be made from any appropriate materialincluding, but not limited to, plastic, foam, resin, metal, metal wire,plastic wire, and combinations thereof. Exemplary plastics that may beused to manufacture the frame include, but are not limited to, PVC,thermoset plastics, and thermoplastics such as TPR, TPU, or TPE, all ofwhich may be used in varying grades and durometers.

In some embodiments, a thickness of a support structure 1800 and/orframe 1400 may be uniform throughout the respective supportstructure/frame and, in other embodiments, a thickness of a supportstructure 1800 and/or frame 1400 may vary in different part(s) of therespective support structure/frame. For example, a support structure1800 and/or frame 1400 may be thicker in areas where greaterrigidity/support is desired and may be thinner in areas where greaterflexibility/less support is desired. For instance, a material making upa region of a support structure 1800 positioned at, or near, a junctionbetween volumetric cup portion 1810 and under-bust band 1430 may bethicker than the material making up a region of support structure 1800along first curved upper edge 1815 and/or second curved upper edge 1820.An exemplary range of thickness for a support structure 1800 and/orframe 1400 is 0.01 mm-20 mm. In some cases, the thickness and/or rangeof thicknesses of a particular frame/support structure may depend on theoverall size of the support structure 1800 and/or a casing or garmentthe support structure is designed to fit into. For example, a supportstructure 1800 adapted to be worn by a wearer with relatively largebreasts 15 (e.g., of a large size) may have a thicker cross-sectionaldimension than a support structure 1800 adapted to be worn by a wearerwith relatively small breasts 15.

FIG. 18B shows an interior view of support structure 1800. This viewillustrates the gradual transition between under-bust band upper edge1440 and the lower edge of volumetric cup portion 1810, which is acurved, or gradual, transition along under-bust band upper edge 1440. Insome embodiments, this transition may be adapted to abut theinframammary fold of wearer 10 when worn and, in this way may supportthe wearer's breast tissue from underneath as a cantilever projection.In other embodiments, this transition may be coincident withinframammary fold of wearer 10 (e.g., inframammary fold 1655) but maysit above it (i.e., the curvature of the transition may approximate thecurvature of the inframammary fold of wearer 10 but may not touch thewearer's 10 skin). This may be preferred in situations when wearer 10would prefer the skin and tissue located at, or near, the inframammaryfold of wearer 10 not be touched or that pressure not be exertedthereon. Having the transition sit above the inframammary fold of wearer10, may, in some instances, make movement of the wearer easier and mayreduce fatigue that may have otherwise been induced by wearing supportstructure 1800.

It will be seen in FIGS. 18A-18F, that a shape of support structure 1800is consistent with arc 1475 in that the shape of volumetric cup portion1810 conforms to the shape of arc 1475 so that it wraps around a wearerin a manner consistent with frame 1400.

FIG. 19A provides an anterior view of wearer 10 wearing a supportstructure 1800 A on first breast 15 A and a support structure 1800 B onsecond breast 15 B positioned on the wearer's second anterior side 65.Support structure 1800 A includes frame 1400 A and volumetric cupportion 1810A and support structure 1800 B includes frame 1400 B andvolumetric cup portion 1810B. FIG. 19A provides one example of relativedimensions of support structures 1800 A and 1800 B to wearer's torso 20and breasts 15A and 15B. It is expected that wearer 10 will wear supportstructures 1800 A and 1800 B, when they are positioned within a casing,housing, and/or garment (not shown) and FIG. 19A provides an example ofhow support structures 1800 A and 1800 B, would correspond with wearer'storso 20 and breasts 15A and 15B when so positioned.

In some embodiments, support structures 1800 A and 1800 B may be of thesame or similar dimensions and, in many instances, will be mirror imagesof one another. In other embodiments, a size or shape of supportstructure 1800 A may be different from a size or shape of supportstructure 1800 B (and vise-versa) as may be needed or preferred when,for example, breast 15 A is not the same size or shape as breast 15 B orwhen a breast 15 A and/or 15 B has been removed (via, for example,mastectomy).

As may be seen in FIG. 19A, volumetric cup portion 1810 of supportstructures 1800 A and 1800 B, respectively, partially covers a bottom,or underside, of wearer's respective first and second breasts 15 A and15 B with the junction between first curved upper edge 1815 and secondcurved upper edge 1820 positioned in line with the wearer's nipples butnot extending up the first and second breasts 15 A and 15 B far enoughto cover the nipples. In this way, the volumetric cup portions 1810 ofsupport structures 1800 A and 1800 B, respectively, may cover 5-40% of alower portion of an exterior surface of each respective breast 15. Insome instances, volumetric cup portions 1810A and 1810B may act as shelfor cantilever upon which a portion of the wearer's respective first andsecond breasts 15 A and 15 B may rest and be supported as may be seen inFIGS. 19A and 19B.

FIG. 19B provides a side view of wearer 10 wearing support structure1800 A, wherein wrap-around portion 1445 A extends approximately to thevertical midline 50 (as opposed to through vertical midline 50 andaround to wearer's posterior as shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C) as may bemore appropriate when, for example, respective first and second breasts15 A and 15 B are relatively small and thereby do not require as muchsupport for the cantilever of volumetric cup portion 1810 to support thewearer's breast weight. Alternatively, in some embodiments, theconfiguration of wrap-around portions 1445A shown in FIGS. 19B and 1455B(not shown) may be appropriate for a wearer with relatively largebreasts 15A and 15B so that the support for the cantilever projection ofvolumetric cup portions 1810A and 1810B may be provided closer to thecantilever projection/breasts (as opposed to around her back).

FIGS. 20A-20C provide images of wearer 10 wearing a set of supportstructures 1800 C and 1800 D on her respective first and second breasts15 A and 15 B. Support structures 1800 C and 1800 D are larger and covermore of the wearer's torso 20 and breasts 15 A and 15 B than supportstructures 1800 A and 1800 B as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. The exampleof FIGS. 20A-20C provides one example of relative dimensions of supportstructures 1800 C and 1800 D to wearer's torso 20. It is expected thatwearer 10 will wear support structures 1800 C and 1800 D when they arepositioned within a casing, housing, and/or garment (not shown) andFIGS. 20A-20C provide an example of how support structures 1800 C and1800 D would correspond to wearer's torso 20 when so positioned.

As may be seen in FIG. 20A, volumetric cup portion 1810 of supportstructures 1800 C and 1800 D, respectively, covers a bottom, orunderside, of wearer's respective first and second breasts 15 A and 15 Bwith the junction between first curved upper edge 1815 and second curvedupper edge 1820 for each of support structures 1800 C and 1800 Dpositioned above the wearer's 10 nipples and extending up the breasts tocover the nipples. In this way, the volumetric cup portions 1810 ofsupport structures 1800 C and 1800 D, respectively, may cover 20-80% ofa lower portion of an exterior surface of wearer's respective first andsecond breasts 15 A and 15 B. Support structures 1800 C and 1800 D alsocover a side of wearer's first and second breasts 15 A and 15 B, whichmay act to reposition breast volume to provide a desired breast shape orsilhouette for breast tissue by, for example, pushing breast tissuetowards the sagittal plane center midline 25 and/or providing a roundedshape for breast tissue to be positioned in.

FIG. 20B provides a side view of wearer 10 wearing support structure1800 C, wherein wrap-around portion 1445 C extends through verticalmidline 50 and wraps around the wearer's lateral side to her posterioras may be appropriate when, for example, respective first breast 15 A isrelatively large and/or wearer 10 is relatively large and therebyrequires relatively more support for the cantilever of volumetric cupportion 1810 to support the wearer's breast weight than for the wearer10 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Alternatively, in some embodiments, theconfiguration of wrap-around portions of volumetric cup portions 1810Aand 1810B shown in FIGS. 20A-20C may be appropriate for a wearer withrelatively small breasts 15A and 15B so that the support for thecantilever projection of volumetric cup portions 1810C and 1810D may bespread out over a wider area of wearer's torso.

FIG. 20C provides a view of wearer's posterior side with wrap-aroundportions 1445 C and 1445 D extending around wearer's 10 lateral side toher posterior side. As may be seen in FIG. 20C, wrap-around portions1445 C and 1445 D extend across a portion of wearer's posterior side butdo not touch one another or extend to sagittal plane center midline 25.The amount wrap-around portions 1445 C and 1445 D extend across aportion of wearer's 10 posterior may be dependent upon various factorsincluding, but not limited to, torso circumference, breast volume,breast mass, torso shape, torso girth, and the wearer's mass. Althoughthe wrap-around portion outside edge 1450 for both wrap-around portions1445 C and 1445 D is shown as a straight line that is substantiallyparallel with sagittal plane center midline 25, this need not be thecase as this edge may be oriented at an angle or have a rounded (e.g.,semi-circular or oval-like) or irregular shape.

FIGS. 21A-25B provide illustrations of various exemplary supportstructures 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500, respectively, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. Support structures 2100,2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500 are exemplary components of a bra, bustier,or other similar type of garment designed to be worn so as to coincide,at least partially, with the breasts of a wearer.

Support structures 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and/or 2500 may be producedby, for example, a production system such as production system 150 thatproduces a support structure using instructions and/or measurementsreceived from a sizing computer system such as sizing computer system140.

Support structures 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and/or 2500 may include twoportions, the first portion may include a curvilinear surface thatextends outward, in a three-dimensional manner, toward an apex in aroughly spherical- or parabolic-type of shape. The first portion may beconfigured to accommodate placement of breast tissue within thevolumetric space created by the curvilinear surface in a manner similarto a bra cup. For ease of discussion, this portion of the supportstructures described below will be referred to as a cup.

The second portion of support structure may be a side, or wrap-around,extension. The wrap-around extension may be configured to, for example,wrap around a side of a wearer's torso, like torso 20, under thewearer's arm. In some embodiments, the side extension may be oriented atan angle (e.g., 90°, 80°, 70°, etc.) relative to the cup in a shape,when viewed from above, that approximates a L-type of shape. In someembodiments, the wrap-around extension may further include a portiondesigned to wrap around a back of a wearer 10. In these embodiments, thecup and side extension combination may have a C-like shape when viewedfrom above.

The wrap-around extension may be configured to redistribute weight fromthe wearer's breasts to the wearer's torso, side, or back. Thewrap-around extension may also serve to lift or otherwise repositionand/or reshape an outline or profile of the wearer's breast tissue intoa desired position and/or shape.

In some instances, the cup, side extension, or a portion thereof, mayinclude a mesh or other configuration of material that is not uniform(i.e., includes one or more holes or perforations). The mesh may includeone or more patterns including, but not limited to, overlapping circles,curved lines, straight lines, interconnected shapes (e.g., diamonds,squares, ovals, circles, etc.), interconnecting straight and/or curvedlines, or some combination thereof. Features of the mesh may bedesigned/configured to increase and/or decrease, as appropriate, forexample, breathability, structural rigidity, flexibility, weight, and/orcost of production of an assembled garment. Features of the mesh mayalso be designed/configured for aesthetic purposes.

The dimensions, or other features (e.g., mesh pattern, placement ofopenings, degree of thickness, etc.) of the cup, wrap-around extensionand/or support structure as a whole may be adjusted prior to fabricationto accommodate a wide variety of factors including, but not limited to,a body shape of the wearer, a body mass/weight of the wearer,wearer/individual preference, a desired position for the wearer's breastor breasts, physical or mechanical constraints required by the materialfrom which the support structure is made, physical or mechanicalconstraints required by the design or an aspect of the design for thesupport structure, a thickness of the support structure, a degree offlexibility of the support structure, a method of manufacture for thesupport structure, and some combination thereof.

In some instances, the cup and side extension of the support structurewill be a single manufactured component and, in other instances, thesupport structure may comprise a plurality of pieces. For example, asupport structure may include a cup piece and a side extension piecethat are joined together to form a single support structure. Whensupport structure includes two or more pieces, the pieces may bejoined/bonded using any appropriate technique including, but not limitedto, heat bonding, chemical bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanicalbonding, and some combination thereof.

The relative dimensions of various aspects of the support structures2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and/or 2500 are provided for exemplary purposesand are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally,the various patterns and shapes used to illustrate the shape and/or sizeof different features of the support structures disclosed herein areonly exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

One or more exterior edges of support structures 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400,and/or 2500 may be solid and/or feature one or more extensions. Ingeneral, the exterior edges of support structures 2100, 2200, 2300,2400, and/or 2500 may include features that contribute to the overallflexibility of the support structure and assembled garment. In someembodiments, the features of the exterior edges may be configured tocreate a smooth transition between the garment and the skin of thewearer when worn and/or provide for a form fitting garment that directlycoincides with the skin/breasts of the wearer when worn without gaps orcreating bulges of soft tissue that extend from, or are adjacent to, agarment when worn by the wearer. In this way, an assembled garmentemploying a support structure 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and/or 2500 mayprovide an invisible profile such that the fully assembled garmentcannot be directly, or indirectly (via e.g., bulges of soft tissue ordepressions in soft tissue) seen when worn under clothing.

In some embodiments, support structures 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and/or2500 and/or portions thereof may act as a shelf-like support structureupon which a portion of breast weight and/or volume is supported.

FIG. 21A provides a front perspective view of an exemplary supportstructure 2100 and FIG. 21B is a side view of the support structure2100. A cup of garment component 2400 may include an upper cup region2105, a band 2110, an interior edge 2112, an outer edge 2114, a lowercup region 2115, a structural element 2120, a side extension 2125, anapex 2130. Interior edge 2112 may correspond to a vertical midline ofthe wearer positioned between the breasts and an exterior edge 2114 thatmay correspond to a side (under the arm) or back of the wearer's torsowhen support structure 2100 is worn by the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, upper cup region 2105, lower cup region2115, and structural element 2120 comprise a mesh with a pattern ofoverlapping circles that joins and/or is coincident with band 2110. Band2110 extends across the cup region of support structure and divides theupper cup region 2105 from the lower cup region 2115. At interior edge2112, band 2110 has a small extension that may, in some instances,facilitate attachment of a closure mechanism to support structure 2100and/or an assembled garment that incorporates support structure 2100.Band 2110 may also have an extension, or wider portion, positioned at,or near, interior edge 2112 that may be configured to providerigidity/structural support to the support structure 2100 as well asassist in the containment and/or repositioning of breast tissue whenworn. Band 2110 may gradually narrow in width as it extends away frominterior edge 2112 toward apex 2130 and then increase in width as itextends toward side extension 2125 and/or exterior edge 2114. As band2110 extends across support structure 2100, the shape, thickness, and/orwidth of the band 2110 may change so as to, for example, add or subtractstructural rigidity, assist with containment, assist with weightredistribution, increase flexibility of support structure 2100, and/ordecrease weight of support structure 2100. Additionally, although theband 2110 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B extends all theway to exterior edge 2114, this need not be the case.

Upper cup region 2105 may be shaped so as to contain breast volume to,for example, keep the breast tissue of the wearer in a desired position.The pattern of material comprising upper cup region 2105 connects to theupper edge of band 2110 so as to, for example, create a smooth profilebetween the upper cup region 2105 and band 2110 when the supportstructure 2100 is positioned within the housing and/or provideflexibility to the support structure 2100 along the upper edge of thesupport structure 2100.

Upper cup region 2105 may have a solid (not shown) or patterned upperedge so as to facilitate, for example, flexibility of the supportstructure 2100 when worn thereby creating a soft upper edge of thegarment, and/or creating, or contributing to, a form fitting garmentthat directly coincides with the skin/breasts of the wearer when worn.

Lower cup region 2115 may be shaped so as to, for example, keep thebreast tissue of the wearer in a desired position and may serve totransfer breast weight to the structural element 2120 that, in theembodiment shown, employs an extension of the pattern used in lower cupregion 2115. Structural element 2120 may be positioned at an angle(e.g., 90°, 110°, 135°, or 150°) relative to a lower edge of lower cupregion 2115 and may be configured to be adjacent to the rib cage of thewearer when support structure 2100 is worn by the wearer.

Structural element 2120 may be serve to support breast weight andredistribute the breast weight to the torso by, for example, pullingbreast weight in toward the ribcage of the wearer. Structural element2120 may also serve to facilitate the wrapping of an assembled garmentaround the torso of the wearer. The pattern of structural element 2120extends along the lower edge of band 2110 so as to, for example, createa smooth profile when the support structure 2100 is positioned withinthe housing and/or provide flexibility to the support structure 2100along the lower edge of the support structure 2100.

FIG. 22A is a front perspective view of an exemplary support structure2200 and FIG. 22B is a side view of the support structure 2200. A cup ofsupport structure 2200 may include a band 2210, an upper cup region2205, a lower cup region 2215, a structural element 2220, and an apex2230. The second portion of support structure 2200 may include a sideextension 2225 that includes a series of upper extension edge features2235, a series of lower edge features 2240, and an extension of band2210, upper cup region 2205, lower cup region 2215, and structuralelement 2220. Support structure 2200 may have an interior edge 2212 thatmay correspond to a vertical midline of the wearer positioned betweenthe breasts and an exterior edge 2214 that may correspond to a side(under the arm) or back of the wearer's torso when support structure2200 is worn by the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, upper cup region 2205, lower cup region2215, and structural element 2220 comprise a mesh with a pattern ofintersecting lines that joins, and/or is coincident with, band 2210.Band 2210 extends across the cup and divides the upper cup region 2205from the lower cup region 2215. At interior edge 2212, band 2210 has asmall extension that may, in some instances, facilitate attachment of aclosure mechanism to support structure 2200 and/or an assembled garmentthat incorporates support structure 2200. Band 2210 may also have anextension, or wider portion, positioned at, or near, interior edge 2212that may be configured to provide rigidity/structural support to thesupport structure 2200 as well as assist in the containment of breasttissue when worn. Band 2210 may gradually narrow in width as it extendsaway from interior edge 2212 toward apex 2230 and then increase in widthas it extends toward side extension 2225 and/or exterior edge 2214. Asband 2210 extends across support structure 2200, the shape, thickness,and/or width of the band 2210 may change so as to, for example, add orsubtract structural rigidity, assist with containment, assist withweight redistribution, and/or decrease weight of the support structure2200.

Upper cup region 2205 may be shaped so as to contain breast volume so asto, for example, keep the breast tissue of the wearer in a desiredposition. Upper cup region 2205 may have a solid or patterned edge so asto facilitate being housed in a housing. The pattern of upper cup region2205 extends along the upper edge of band 2210 so as to, for example,create a smooth profile when the support structure 2200 is positionedwithin the housing and/or provide flexibility to the support structure2200 along the upper edge of the support structure 2200. Features thatare positioned along the upper edge of upper cup region 2205 may not beconnected to one another so as to facilitate movement between thefeatures and/or provide a relatively soft upper edge to supportstructure 2200 and/or an assembled garment incorporating supportstructure 2200.

Lower cup region 2215 may also be shaped so as to, for example, keep thebreast tissue of the wearer in a desired position. Lower cup region 2210may have a solid or patterned edge so as to facilitate, for example,flexibility and/or an attractive and/or comfortable edge when housed ina housing.

Lower cup region 2215 also serves to transfer weight to the structuralelement 2220 that, in the embodiment shown, employs an extension of thepattern used in lower cup region 2215. Structural element 2220 ispositioned at an angle to the lower edge of lower cup region 2215 andmay be configured to be adjacent to the rib cage of the wearer when agarment incorporating support structure 2200 is worn. Structural element2220 may be positioned so as to support breast weight and redistributethe breast weight to the torso. The pattern of structural element 2220extends along the lower edge of band 2210 so as to, for example, createa smooth profile when the support structure 2200 is positioned withinthe housing and/or provide flexibility to the support structure 2200along the lower edge of the support structure 2200.

An upper edge of side extension 2225 may include a series of upperfeatures 2235 that extend from band 2210 where lines of the mesh patternintersect. The series of upper features 2235 may be configured to addflexibility to support structure 2200. A lower edge of side extension2225 may include a series of lower features 2240 that extend from band2210. The series of lower features 2240 may be configured to addflexibility to support structure 2200.

FIG. 23A is a front perspective view of an exemplary support structure2300 and FIG. 23B is a side view of the support structure 2300. A cup ofsupport structure 2300 may include a band 2310, an upper cup region2305, a lower cup region 2315, a structural element 2320, and an apex2330. The second portion of support structure 2300 may include a sideextension 2325 that includes an upper extension edge feature 2335, alower edge feature 2340, as well as an extension of band 2310, upper cupregion 2305, lower cup region 2315, and structural element 2320. Supportstructure 2300 may have an interior edge 2312 that may correspond to avertical midline of the wearer positioned between the breasts and anexterior edge 2314 that may correspond to a side (under the arm) or backof the wearer's torso when a garment incorporating support structure2300 is worn by the wearer. Support structure 2300 may also have anopening 2350, or notch, positioned near interior edge 2312. Opening 2350may be configured to accept, for example, an attachment mechanism for anassembled garment.

As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, upper cup region 2305 comprises a firstmesh pattern of intersecting lines that joins and/or is coincident withband 2310, lower cup region 2315 and a portion structural element 2320comprise a mesh with a pattern of substantially circular openings, and asecond portion (along the lower edge) of structural element 2320comprises a plurality of extensions with a circularly-shaped tip, orend. Band 2310 extends across the cup and divides the upper cup region2305 from the lower cup region 2315.

Band 2310 may have an extension, or wider portion, positioned at, ornear, interior edge 2312 that may be configured to providerigidity/structural support to the support structure 2300 as well asassist in the containment of breast tissue when worn. Band 2310 maygradually narrow in width as it extends away from interior edge 2312toward apex 2330 and then increase in width as it extends toward sideextension 2325 and/or exterior edge 2314. As band 2310 extends acrosssupport structure 2300, the shape, thickness, and/or width of the band2310 may change so as to, for example, add or subtract structuralrigidity, assist with containment of breast tissue, assist with weightredistribution, and/or decrease weight of the support structure 2300.

Upper cup region 2305 may be shaped so as to contain breast volume so asto, for example, keep the breast tissue of the wearer in a desiredposition within support structure 2300 and/or a garment incorporatingsupport structure 2300. Upper cup region 2305 may have a solid orpatterned edge. The pattern of upper cup region 2305 extends along theupper edge of band 2310 so as to, for example, create a smooth profilewhen the support structure 2300 is positioned within the housing and/orprovide flexibility to the support structure 2300 along the upper edgeof the support structure 2300. Features that are positioned along theupper edge of upper cup region 2305 may not be connected to one anotherso as to facilitate movement between the features and/or provide arelatively soft upper edge to support structure 2300 and/or an assembledgarment incorporating support structure 2300.

Lower cup region 2315 may also be shaped so as to, for example, keep thebreast tissue of the wearer in a desired position. Lower cup region 2310may have a solid or patterned edge so as to facilitate, for example,flexibility and/or an attractive and/or comfortable edge when housed ina housing.

Lower cup region 2315 also serves to transfer weight to the structuralelement 2320 that, in the embodiment shown, employs an extension of thepattern used in lower cup region 2315. Structural element 2320 ispositioned at an angle to the lower edge of lower cup region 2315 andmay be configured to be adjacent to the rib cage of the wearer whensupport structure 2300 is worn. Structural element 2320 may bepositioned so as to support breast weight and redistribute the breastweight to the torso. The pattern of structural element 2320 extendsalong the lower edge of band 2310 so as to, for example, create a smoothprofile when the support structure 2300 is positioned within the housingand/or provide flexibility to the support structure 2300 along the loweredge of the support structure 2300.

An upper edge of side extension 2325 may include a plurality of upperfeatures 2335 that extend from band 2310. Upper features 2335 may beconfigured to add flexibility to support structure 2300. A lower edge ofside extension 2325 may include a plurality of lower features 2340 thatextend from band 2310. Lower features 2340 may be configured to addflexibility to support structure 2300.

FIGS. 24A-24B provide examples of an exemplary support structure 2400.More specifically, FIG. 24A shows a front perspective view of anexemplary support structure 2400 and FIG. 24B shows a side view of thesupport structure 2400. Support structure 2400 does not include uppercup regions like upper cup regions 2105, 2205, or 2305. Instead, supportstructure 2400 is configured as a shelf-like band adapted to partiallyfit underneath a wearer's breasts and support the wearer's breastweight.

Support structure 2400 may include a band 2410, a structural element, orunder-bust band 2420, a side extension 2425, a first peak 2430, anopening 2450, and a second peak 2460. Support structure 2400 may have aninterior edge 2412 that may correspond to a vertical midline of thewearer positioned between the breasts and an exterior edge 2414 that maycorrespond to a side (under the arm) or back of the wearer's torso whena garment incorporating support structure 2400 is worn by the wearer.Interior edge 2412 may be similar to inside edge 220 and exterior edge2414 may be similar to wrap-around portion outer edge 250. Opening 2450may be configured to accept, for example, an attachment mechanism for anassembled garment.

An upper edge of band 2410 may include first and second peaks 2430 and2460. First and second peaks may act to reposition a portion of breastvolume into a desired position and/or may act to contain a portion ofbreast volume. The structural elements 2420 and upper portion of band2410 may include one or more perforations or a patterned mesh. Theperforations may, for example, increase the flexibility and/or decreasea weight/mass of support structure 2400.

Under-bust band 2420 may be similar in form and function to under-bustband 1430 and band 2410, or a portion thereof (e.g., between first andsecond peaks 2430 and 2460), may be similar in form and function tovolumetric cup portion 1810. Side extension 2425 may be similar in formand function to wrap-around portion 1425. The portion of band 2410 at,or near, opening 2450 and/or interior edge 2412 may be similar in formand function to inframammary cleft portion 210. An overall shape ofsupport structure 2400 as may be seen in FIGS. 24A and 24B and/or when,for example, viewed from above or below is that of an arc like arc 1475.More specifically, a shape of a lower edge of under-bust band 2450 mayhave a radius of curvature similar to arc 1475.

FIGS. 25A-25B provide examples of an exemplary support structure 2500.More specifically, FIG. 25A shows a front perspective view of anexemplary support structure 2500 and FIG. 25B shows a side view of thesupport structure 2500. Support structure 2500 does not include uppercup regions like upper cup regions 2105, 2205, or 2305. Instead, supportstructure 2500 is configured as a shelf-like band adapted to partiallyfit underneath a wearer's breasts and support the wearer's breastweight. Support structure is similar to support structure 2400, with theexception that it does not include the perforations or patterned mesh ofsupport structure 2400.

Support structure 2500 may include a band 2510, a structural element, orunder-bust band 2520, a side extension 2525, a first peak 2530, anopening 2550, and a second peak 2560. Support structure 2500 may have aninterior edge 2512 that may correspond to a vertical midline of thewearer positioned between the breasts and an exterior edge 2514 that maycorrespond to a side (under the arm) or back of the wearer's torso whena garment incorporating support structure 2500 is worn by the wearer.Interior edge 2512 may be similar to inside edge 220 and exterior edge2514 may be similar to wrap-around portion outer edge 250. Opening 2550may be configured to accept, for example, an attachment mechanism for anassembled garment.

An upper edge of band 2510 may include first and second peaks 2530 and2560, each of which may include an opening 2555. Opening 2555 mayfacilitate, for example, attachment of support structure 2500 to acasement and/or housing like casing 2700 and/or housing 3400. First andsecond peaks may act to reposition a portion of breast volume into adesired position and/or may act to contain a portion of breast volume.

Under-bust band 2520 may be similar in form and function to under-bustband 1430 and band 2510, or a portion thereof (e.g., between first andsecond peaks 2530 and 2560), may be similar in form and function tovolumetric cup portion 1810. Side extension 2525 may be similar in formand function to wrap-around portion 255. The portion of band 2510 at, ornear, opening 2550 and/or interior edge 2512 may be similar in form andfunction to inframammary cleft portion 210. An overall shape of supportstructure 2500 as may be seen in FIGS. 25A and 25B and/or when, forexample, viewed from above or below is that of an arc like arc 1475.More specifically, a shape of a lower edge of under-bust band 2550 mayhave a radius of curvature similar to arc 1475.

FIGS. 25A-25B provide examples of an exemplary support structure 2500.More specifically, FIG. 25A shows a front perspective view of anexemplary support structure 2500 and FIG. 25B shows a side view of thesupport structure 2500. Support structure 2500 does not include uppercup regions like upper cup regions 2105, 2205, or 2305. Instead, supportstructure 2500 is configured as a shelf-like band adapted to partiallyfit underneath a wearer's breasts and support the wearer's breastweight. Support structure is similar to support structure 2400, with theexception that it does not include the perforations or patterned mesh ofsupport structure 2400.

Support structure 2500 may include a band 2510, a structural element, orunder-bust band 2520, a side extension 2525, a first peak 2530, anopening 2550, and a second peak 2560. Support structure 2500 may have aninterior edge 2512 that may correspond to a vertical midline of thewearer positioned between the breasts and an exterior edge 2514 that maycorrespond to a side (under the arm) or back of the wearer's torso whena garment incorporating support structure 2500 is worn by the wearer.Interior edge 2512 may be similar to inside edge 220 and exterior edge2514 may be similar to wrap-around portion outer edge 250. Opening 2550may be configured to accept, for example, an attachment mechanism for anassembled garment.

An upper edge of band 2510 may include first and second peaks 2530 and2560, each of which may include an opening 2555. Opening 2555 mayfacilitate, for example, attachment of support structure 2500 to acasement and/or housing like casing 2700 and/or housing 3400. First andsecond peaks may act to reposition a portion of breast volume into adesired position and/or may act to contain a portion of breast volume.

Under-bust band 2520 may be similar in form and function to under-bustband 1430 and band 2510, or a portion thereof (e.g., between first andsecond peaks 2530 and 2560), may be similar in form and function tovolumetric cup portion 1810. Side extension 2525 may be similar in formand function to wrap-around portion 255. The portion of band 2510 at, ornear, opening 2550 and/or interior edge 2512 may be similar in form andfunction to inframammary cleft portion 210. An overall shape of supportstructure 2500 as may be seen in FIGS. 25A and 25B and/or when, forexample, viewed from above or below is that of an arc like arc 1475.More specifically, a shape of a lower edge of under-bust band 2550 mayhave a radius of curvature similar to arc 1475.

FIGS. 26A-26C provide three different views of another exemplary supportstructure 2600. More specifically, FIG. 26A provides a front-outsideperspective view of an exemplary support structure 2600, FIG. 26Bprovides a front-inside perspective view of exemplary support structure2600, and FIG. 26C provides a plan view of an outer side of theexemplary support structure 2600. Support structure 2600 includes anupper band 2615 and a lower band 2620 separated by a curved opening 2630that includes a lower opening edge 2635 and an upper opening edge 2640.Upper band 2615 and lower band 2620 meet at a wrap-around extension 2625that includes a first edge 2605 and a second edge 2610. Supportstructure 2600 also includes an upper edge 2645, a lower edge 2650, afirst curvature 2655, an inside edge 2660, a second curvature 2665, andan intermammary-cleft portion 2670.

Aspects of lower band 2620 (e.g., size, shape, radius of curvature) maybe similar to frame 1400 and/or under-bust band 1430 and may be curvedin, for example, the X-, Y-, and/or Z-planes so as to approximate acurvature and/or a contour of an exterior surface of wearer's torso in amanner similar to frame 1400. In some embodiments, lower band 2620 maybe shaped to fit up against the torso of wearer 10 and conform to theshape of the wearer's torso 20 where lower band 2620 meets, or isexpected to meet, the wearer's torso (e.g., at, or near, the wearer'sinframammary fold). Lower band 2620 may be joined to upper band 2615 atintermammary-cleft portion 2670 and wrap-around extension 2625 of thesupport structure 2600.

First curvature 2665 may define a curvature and/or transition betweenthe lower band 2620 and the upper band 2615 and/or intermammary-cleftportion 2670 and the second curvature 2655 may define a curvature and/ortransition between the lower band 2620 and the upper band 2615 and/orthe wrap-around extension 2625 on a second side of the support structure2600. In some embodiments, first and/or second curvatures 2655 and 2665may be flexible joints that are, for example, thinner than the materialcomprising the surrounding wrap-around extension 2625, upper band 2615and/or lower band 2620. The relative thinness of the material may act toprovide flexibility to support structure 2600 and, in this way, may beadapted to act like a hinge between wrap-around extension 2625, upperband 2615 and/or lower band 2620.

In some embodiments, lower opening edge 2635 and an upper opening edge2640 may be adapted to allow movement of upper band 2615 relative tolower band 2620. The movement may be, for example, translational,linear, or rotational. In some embodiments, the movement may be uniformacross the upper band 2615 and/or lower band 2620 and, in otherinstances, it may be non-uniform as may be the case when, for example,upper band 2615 and/or lower band 2620 stretches or compresses.

The upper band 2615 may be configured in a manner similar to volumetriccup portion 1810 and, in some instances, may be sized, shaped, andpositioned so as to correspond with a bottom portion of a wearer'sbreast 15A or 15B when worn. In some instances, upper band 2615 maysupport a portion of breast weight for wearer 10 in a manner similar toa sling or hammock anchored by the first extension 2635 and secondextension 2605 and/or upper edge 2610. Upper band 2615 may alsoreposition breast volume into a desired location.

Curved opening 2630 is situated between upper band 2615 and lower band2620 and the dimensions of curved opening are defined by lower openingedge 2635 and an upper opening edge 2640. In most instances, a width ofcurved opening 2630 will vary along its length. For example, the widthof curved opening 2630 may be its widest at, or near, a center point ofthe support structure 2600, upper band 2615, and/or lower band 2620 andthe width of curved opening 2630 may gradually decrease as the curvatureextends out toward intermammary-cleft portion 2670 and wrap-aroundextension 2625.

In some instances, the center point of the support structure 2600 maycorrespond with an apex of a system 200 as described below with regardto FIGS. 31A and 31B. In some embodiments, curved opening 2630 may besized, shaped, and/or positioned so as to coincide with an inframammaryfold of wearer 10 and thereby may allow for free movement of theunderlying breast tissue and/or torso of the wearer when wearing acasing and/or garment that includes support structure 2600. In someembodiments, an exemplary support structure 2600 may be adapted toaccommodate sensitive under-breast tissue caused by, for example, anincision or scaring following surgery.

In some embodiments, support structure 2600 may be adapted so that theupper band 2615 and lower band 2620 may move relative to one another.For example, upper band 2615 and lower band 2620 may flex toward oneanother in the Z-plane and may be free to do so without buckling orotherwise deforming because of the open space provided by curved opening2630. In some instances, upper band 2615 may move in the Y-planerelative to the lower band 2620.

Intermarry cleft portion 2670 may extend substantially along the Y-planeand may be adapted to sit at, or near, sagittal plane center midline 25of wearer 10 when worn. In some embodiments, two support structures 2600may be joined at the center and an intermarry cleft portion 2670 of afirst support structure 2600 may be joined to an intermarry cleftportion 2670 of a second support structure 2600. In some instances, ahinge or other flexible coupling may reside between the two firstextensions 2635 as with a front- or back-closure bra.

Wrap-around extension 2625 may be adapted to sit at, or near, an outeredge, or side, of wearer's torso 20 when worn in a manner similar to,for example, wrap-around portion 1425 and as discussed below with regardto FIGS. 15A and/or 15B. In some instances, second extension 2605 may beadapted to wrap around a portion of the wearer's torso as shown in, forexample, FIGS. 17B, 17C, 20B and/or 20C. An outer edge of wrap-aroundextension 2625 is defined by first edge 2605 and a second edge 2610.Second edge 2610 is at an angle of between, for example, −5° and −50°relative to first edge 2610. Thus, the second edge 2610 is angleddownward and this may serve to make the support structure 2600 morecomfortable when worn because the support structure 2600 and/or secondextension 2605 may comfortably fit under the wearer's arm withoutpushing into the wearer's sensitive tissue located above the breast nearthe under-arm region.

In some embodiments, a size and/or shape of support structure 2600and/or a component thereof may increase or decrease in size inproportion with an increase or decrease in size of the support structure2600 as may be required to accommodate wearers and/or breasts ofdifferent sizes. Additionally, or alternatively, a thickness of supportstructure 2600 and/or a portion thereof may increase or decreaseproportionally to an increase or decrease in size of the supportstructure 2600. For example, support structure 2600 and/or wrap-aroundextension 2625 and/or a portion of upper band 2615 and/or lower band2620 proximate to wrap-around extension 2625 may be thicker than otherportions of support structure 2600 so as to provide support for breastweight and/or the repositioning of breast tissue to a desired location(e.g., towards the center of the wearers body and/or upward) andmaintenance of the breast tissue at the desired location.

While support structure 2600 is shown as being made from a singleuniform material and is of uniform thickness, this need not necessarilybe the case. For example, lower band 2620 may be made from a firstmaterial and upper band 2615 may be made from a second material. In someinstances, support structure 2600 may be designed to flex in aparticular direction, or set of directions, but not in other directionsso as to accommodate, for example, breathing or movement of the wearer.In some embodiments, couplings between lower band 2620 and firstextension 2635 and/or upper band 2615 and second extension 2605 may behinged or expandable.

FIGS. 27A-27F provide images of an exemplary three-dimensional casing2700. More particularly, FIG. 27A provides a front plan view of casing2700, FIG. 27B provides back plan view of casing 2700, FIG. 27C providesan inside view of casing 2700, FIG. 27D provides an outside plan view ofcasing 2700, FIG. 27E provides a top view of casing 2700, and FIG. 27Fprovides a bottom view of casing 2700. Casing 2700 includes anindentation line 2710, a wrap-around portion 2715, an end-of-indentationline 2720, an upper edge 2725, an apex 2730, a lower edge 2735, aninside edge 2740, a volumetric cup 2745, an outer edge 2750, anunder-bust band 2755, and an apex of the curvature of the upper edge2760.

Features of casing 2700 may correspond with, and/or align to, a frameand/or support structure, such as frame 1400 and/or the supportstructure(s) described herein as may be encased/included therein. Forexample, indentation line 2710 may correspond with under-bust band upperedge 1440 and/or a curvature thereof and end-of-indentation line 2720may correspond with wrap-around portion reference line 1470.

When casing 2700 is held in an upright position (as shown in FIGS.27A-27D), the under-bust band 2755 is configured/adapted to be orientedsubstantially along the X-axis in a manner substantially perpendicularto a sagittal plane center midline of a wearer (when worn), such assagittal plane center midline 25 of wearer 10. Under-bust band 2755extends from the inside edge 2740 along lower edge 2735 underneathindentation line 2710 until end-of-indentation line 2720.

Wrap-around portion 2715 may begin at, or near, end-of-indentation line2720 and extend away from volumetric cup 2745 toward outer edge 2750thereby forming wrap-around portion 2715. The size and shape ofwrap-around portion 2715 may mimic the size and shape of an encasedframe's and/or support structure's wrap-around portion 1450.End-of-indentation line 2720 is a vertical reference line superimposedon the depictions shown in of FIGS. 27A-27F to indicate whereindentation line 2710 ends and wrap-around portion 2715 begins.Volumetric cup 2745 may have similar characteristics to volumetric cupportion 1810 and may be designed to contain and/or cover, for example,25%, 50%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95% and/or 100% of a wearer's breast insertedtherein. An amount of breast volume contained by volumetric cup 2745 maybe dependent upon the overall size and/or shape of volumetric cup 2745which, in turn, may be based upon a shape or curvature of upper edge2725 as well as a distance between an apex 2730 and under-bust band2755.

Volumetric cup 2745 may have an apex 2730, which corresponds to an outermost point of the volumetric spherical-like shape of volumetric cup 2745and a positioning of apex 2730 may correspond with a desired apex of thewearer's breast tissue when she is wearing casing 2700, which in someinstances, may correspond with a position of a wearer's nipple (when thewearer's breast is repositioned within the volumetric cup 2745). In theembodiment of FIGS. 27A-27F, the upper edge 2725 of casing 2700 iscurved so that a position of apex 2730 along the Y-axis approximatelycorresponds with an apex of the curvature of the upper edge 2760 alongthe Y-axis. However, this correspondence is not required and, in someinstances, may not be preferred.

FIG. 27B provides a back view of casing 2700. End of indentation line2710 marks the transition between under-bust band 2755 and volumetriccup 2745. As shown in FIG. 27B, a positioning of end of indentation line2710 on the back of casing 2700 aligns with (i.e., matches) apositioning of end of indentation line 2710 on the front of casing 2700but this need not always be the case. For example, in some embodiments,a portion of end-of-indentation line 2720 on the interior of casing 2700may not align with a portion of end-of-indentation line 2720 on theexterior of casing 2700. For example, a portion of end-of-indentationline 2720 on the interior of casing 2700 may be higher than the positionof end-of-indentation line on the exterior of casing 2700 as may be thecase when, for example, a bottom of volumetric cup portion 2745 includespadding and/or when an interior side of under-bust band upper edge 1440is not aligned with an exterior side of under-bust band upper edge 1440.In instances, this lack of alignment may be used to achieve a desiredsilhouette of the wearer's breasts.

FIG. 27C provides a first side view of casing 2700 and FIG. 27D providesa second side view of casing 2700, both of which show how thethree-dimensional volumetric cup 2745 extends in the X, Y, and Zdirections relative to under-bust band 2755 to apex 2730. FIGS. 27C and27D show a relative distance between apex 2730 and inside edge 2740 aswell as a relative distance between apex 2730 and outer edge 2750.Further information regarding these relative distances is provided withregard to the discussion of FIGS. 27E and 27F. FIGS. 27C and 27D showthe curved shape of upper casing edge 2725 as it curves downward fromapex of the curvature of the upper edge 2760 and extends outward to formthe upper edge of the wrap-around portion 2715. This shape of uppercasing edge 2725 may serve to define a shape of wrap around extension2715 that supports the cantilever projection of volumetric cup 2745while avoiding wearer's 10 sensitive armpit region when worn. FIGS. 27Cand 27D also show the upward curvature of the lower edge of under-bustband 2755 so that it tapers upward as it approaches outer edge 2750.

FIG. 27E provides a top-side view of casing 2700 and FIG. 27F provides abottom-side view of casing 2700, both of which show a curvature of thelower edge of casing 2700, and of casing 2700 in general, in the X-Yplane as viewed from above and below, respectively. As may be seen inboth FIGS. 27E and 27F, a curvature of casing 2700 as a whole as well ascasing's 2700 lower edge, under-bust band 2735, and wrap-around portion2715 may approximate a curvature of a wearer's torso 20 and/or arc 1475.

The images of FIGS. 27E and 27F have a Cartesian grid superimposedthereon which show relative dimensions for casing 2700 along an X- andY-axis, wherein a unit of measure along the Y-axis is denoted as “Y” anda unit of measure along the X-axis is denoted as “X”. An exemplary rangeof values for “X” is 0.8 cm-30 cm and an exemplary range of values for“Y” is 0.8 cm-30 cm. In FIGS. 27E and 27F, it can be seen that anexterior edge of volumetric cup 2745 has a substantially parabola-likeshape that spreads wider toward the inside edge 2740 and outer edge2750. The exterior edge of volumetric cup 2745 primarily occupies thethird and fourth quadrants of the grid with the portion of the exterioredge of volumetric cup 2745 closest to the interior edge 2740 being inthe third quadrant and the portion of the volumetric cup 2745 closest tothe outer edge 2750 being in the fourth quadrant. With relativedimensions, the apex 2730 aligns with −Y on the Y-axis and 0 on theX-axis. Inside edge 2740 aligns with 0 on the Y-axis and −X on theX-axis. A position of end-of-indentation line 2720 aligns with 1.5X onthe X-axis and approximately 0.25Y on the Y-axis. Wrap-around portionbegins approximately at end-of-indentation line 2720 and extends toouter edge 2750, which is positioned at 2X on the X-axis and 2Y on theY-axis.

FIG. 27F shows casing 2700 rotated 180° along the Y-axis so that thebottom side of casing 2700 is shown and the Cartesian axis superimposedthereon is in the reverse orientation of FIG. 27E so that it isconsistent with the positions along the X- and Y-axis defined withregard to FIG. 27E. As may be seen in FIG. 27F, a portion of lower edge2735 that corresponds with the apex 2730 of the volumetric cup 2745along the Y-axis (X=0) aligns with −0.3Y along the Y-axis, the insideedge 2740 is aligned with −X along the X-axis and 0 along the Y-axis,and the outer edge 2750 is aligned with 2Y and 2X. Also, shown in FIG.27F is the curvature of an arc of lower edge 2735 along the entirety ofcasing's 2700 lower edge. Traveling along the line of the curvature ofarc from inside edge 2740 to outer edge 2750, the curvature of arc hasapproximate dimensions at inside edge 2740 of a magnitude X on theX-axis and a magnitude of 0 on the Y-axis. When the magnitude of X onthe X-axis equals 0, the magnitude of Y on the Y-axis is approximately0.25Y. When the magnitude of Y on the Y-axis equals 0, the magnitude ofX on the X-axis is X. As curve 2755 extends toward outside edge 2710,the magnitude of Y on the Y-axis is 2Y and the magnitude of Y on theY-axis is 2Y.

FIG. 28 provides a front view of an additional exemplary casing 2800.Casing 2800 includes an indentation line 2810, a wrap-around portion2815, an end-of-indentation line 2820, an upper edge 2825, an apex 2830,a lower edge 2835, an inside edge 2840, a volumetric cup 2845, an outeredge 2850, and an under-bust band 2855.

Features of casing 2800 may correspond with and/or align to a frameand/or support structure, such as frame 1400 and/or the supportstructure(s) disclosed herein that may be encased/included therein andmay be similar to features of casing 2700. For example, indentation line2810 may correspond with under-bust band upper edge 1440 and/or acurvature thereof and end-of-indentation line 2820 may correspond withwrap-around portion reference line 1470.

Volumetric cup 2845 may be similar to volumetric cup 2745 and/or avolumetric cup portion 1810 encased therein. However, the overall sizeof volumetric cup 2845 is larger for casing 2800 than casing 2700 andhas a different shape, particularly along the upper edge 2825. Forexample, a relative distance between lower edge 2835 and upper edge 2825of casing 2800 is larger than a relative distance between lower edge2735 and upper edge 2725 of casing 2700. In addition, a width ofunder-bust band 2830 is larger than a width of under-bust band 2755. Acasing such as casing 2800 may be preferred when compared with casing2700 when, for example, the wearer's breasts are relatively large and/orthe wearer has a relatively high body mass index.

Volumetric cup 2845 may be designed to contain and/or cover, forexample, 25%, 50%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95% and/or 100% of a wearer's breastinserted therein. An amount of breast volume contained by volumetric cup2845 may be dependent upon the overall size of volumetric cup 2845,which, in turn, may be based upon a shape, or curvature of upper edge2825. Volumetric cup 2845 may have an apex 2830, which corresponds to anouter most point of the volumetric spherical shape of volumetric cup2845 along the Z-axis and a positioning of apex 2830 may correspond witha desired apex of the wearer's breast tissue, which in some instances,may correspond with a position of a wearer's nipple (when the wearer'sbreast is repositioned within the volumetric cup 2845).

Volumetric cup(s) 2745 and/or 2845 may displace breast tissue acrossdifferent sizes of wearers and breasts differently so as to provideappropriate breast weight support and/or shaping across a range ofwearer and/or breast sizes. In some instances, the apex of volumetriccup(s) 2745 and/or 2845 may not correspond a wearer's natural breastapex (as seen when she is not wearing a bra, or clothes) but to force itinto a predetermined/desired apex position. This displacement of breasttissue may be achieved via a shape of volumetric cup 2745 and/or 2845and/or volume placement within the volumetric cup(s) 2745 and/or 2845,and/or a thickness and/or durometer of materials used to manufacturevolumetric cup(s) 2745 and/or 2845.

An interior of volumetric cup(s) 2745 and/or 2845 may be adapted so thatwhen they sit against the body/breasts of the wearer 10, they contouraround the volumetric cup portion 1810 and the under-bust band 1430 tocreate a shape that surrounds the breast tissue and shapes the tissueinto a pre-determined and/or volumetric cup shape. In some instances,under-bust band 1430 and/or volumetric cup portion 1810 may create ashelf edge to contour, or guide, breast tissue inserted therein into ashape of volumetric cup portion 1810 and/or volumetric cup(s) 2745and/or 2845.

Casings 2700 and/or 2800 may act to provide padding or other cushioningfor frame 1400 and/or support structures disclosed herein so as to, forexample, increase the comfort of wearing same. Additionally, oralternatively, casings 2700 and/or 2800 may be adapted to reduce breastmotion of breasts included therein by the use of, for example, motiondampening materials like foam or memory foam.

FIGS. 29A-29F provide images of exemplary systems 2900 of casing 2700with an exemplary support structure 1800 encased therein. Morespecifically, FIG. 29A shows a front plan view of system 2900, whichincludes casing 2700 with support structure 1800 inserted/encasedtherein and shows how support structure 1800 fits within casing 2700.FIG. 29B shows a back side view of system 2900, FIG. 29C shows a firstside view of system 2900, FIG. 29D shows a second side view of system2900, FIG. 29E shows a top side view of system 2900, and FIG. 29F showsa bottom side view of system 2900. More specifically, FIGS. 29A-29F showhow features of support structure 1800 and/or frame 1400 align withand/or are encased by casing 2700 so that, for example, volumetric cupportion 1810 is positioned within a lower portion of volumetric cup2745, upper edge of lower bust band 1430 aligns with end-of-indentationline 2720, wrap-around portion reference line 1470 aligns withend-of-indentation line 2720, and so on. In some embodiments, a featureof support structure 1800 and/or frame 1400 may not align with thefeatures of casing 2700 within an alternative system 2900. For example,an exterior end-of-indentation line 2720 may not align with under-bustband upper edge 1440.

FIGS. 30A-30C provide images of wearer 10 wearing a set of casings 2700Aand 2700B on her respective first and second breasts 15 A and 15 B. Insome instances, casings 2700A and/or 2700B may be a system like system2900. Casings 2700A and 2700B cover nearly all of breasts 15 A and 15 B.The example of FIGS. 30A-30C provides one example of relative dimensionsof casings 2700A and 2700B to wearer's torso 20 and breasts 15A and 15B.It is expected that wearer 10 will wear casings 2700A and 2700B whenthey are positioned within, and/or attached to, a housing, and/orgarment (not shown) and FIGS. 30A-30C provide an example of how casings2700A and 2700B would correspond to wearer's torso 20 when sopositioned. In some embodiments, casings 2700A and 2700B may bepositioned within a housing like housing 3400 as discussed below. Inother embodiments, a housing may include a band, or other mechanism(e.g., clasp, fabric, etc.) that connects the outer edges 2750 casings2700A and 2700B and/or inside edges 2740 of casings 2700A and 2700B withno fabric or other material overlaid on casings 2700A and 2700B.

Casings 2700A and 2700B also cover a side of wearer's first and secondbreasts 15 A and 15 B, which may act to reposition breast volume toprovide a desired breast shape or silhouette for breast tissue by, forexample, pushing breast tissue towards the sagittal plane center midline25 and/or providing a rounded shape for breast tissue to be positionedin.

FIG. 30B provides a side view of wearer 10 wearing casing 2700A, whereinwrap-around portion 2715 extends through the vertical midline 50 andwraps around the wearer's lateral side to her posterior as may beappropriate when, for example, respective first and second breasts 15 Aand 15 B are relatively large and/or wearer 10 is relatively large andthereby requires relatively more support for the cantilever ofvolumetric cup portion 1810 to support the wearer's breast weight thanfor a smaller wearer 10 with a lower breast weight.

FIG. 30C provides a view of wearer's posterior side with wrap-aroundportions 2715A and 2715B extending around wearer's lateral side to herposterior. As may be seen in FIG. 30C, wrap-around portions 2715A and2715B extend across a portion of wearer's posterior by do not touch oneanother or extend to sagittal plane center midline 25. However, in someinstances, a relative distance between wrap-around portions 2715A and2715B may vary depending on, for example, the girth and shape of wearer10 as discussed above with regard to FIG. 15A-16F. Although thewrap-around portion outside edge for both wrap-around portions 2715A and2715B is shown as a straight line that is substantially parallel withsagittal plane center midline 25, this need not be the case as this edgemay be oriented at an angle or have a rounded (e.g., semi-circular oroval-like) shape.

FIGS. 31A and 31B provide an exemplary system 3100 including a supportstructure 2600 as it may align with an exemplary casing, like casing2700. While support structure 2600 is shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B asbeing superimposed on an external surface casing 2700, it will beunderstood by those of skill of the art that support structure 2600 mayalso reside within casing 2700 in a manner similar to supportstructure's 1800 positioning within casing 2700 as discussed above withregard to FIGS. 29A-29F. The support structure 2600 may be affixed toand/or positioned within casing 2700 using any appropriate meansincluding, but not limited to, chemical bonding, mechanical bonding,sewing, vibration bonding, and so on. casing 2700 may be, for example, acomponent of a bra that forms some, or all, of a component of a garmentadapted to cover a breast and surrounding tissue (e.g., a bra cup). Insome instances, casing 2700 may be self-supporting (i.e., retain itsshape independently of a housing). Casing 2700 may include a single, ormultiple pieces of, material. Although support structure 2600 is shownsuperimposed on an exterior surface of casing 2700, this need not be thecase. For instance, support structure 2600 may be positioned insidecasing 2700 (e.g., the material that comprises the casing covers a bothfront and back surfaces of the support structure 2600).

As noted above, casing 2700 may be adapted to provide a preferredsilhouette or shape for breast tissue of the wearer. It may also serveto smooth lines to generate a uniform exterior and/or interior surface.Casing 2700 may also serve as an interface between the skin of a wearerand support structure 2600 and, in this way, may make the wearing ofsupport structure 2600 and/or a brassiere incorporating a supportstructure 2600 and/or a casing 2700 more comfortable.

Casing's 2700 apex 2730 may correspond to for example, a desiredposition for an apex of a wearer's breast volume. In most instances,support structure 2600 will be sized, shaped, and positioned so that theupper edge of upper band 2615 sits below apex 2730 and, in some cases,support structure 2600 may be shaped and sized so as to fit onto/intocasing 2700 so that a height of second edge 2610 and/orintermammary-cleft portion 2670 is approximately the same as the heightof apex 2730 within/on casing 2700.

As may be seen in FIGS. 31A and 31B, lower band 2620 is adapted tocorrespond to a portion of casing 3115 that has a substantially verticalorientation and is designed to correspond to a region of the wearer'storso 20 positioned underneath the breast but not on the wearer'sbreast. Lower band 2620 may be adapted to provide structuralsupport/rigidity to the support structure 2600 and/or a garmentincluding support structure 2600. Casing portion 3115 may be adapted toprovide a comfortable interface between the wearer and lower band 2620.

As shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, curved opening 2630 may be shaped, sized,and positioned to correspond with indentation line 2710 so that, forexample, the material comprising support structure 2600 does not abut awearer's inframammary fold when he or she is wearing a garment includingsystem 3100.

Support structure 2600 and/or a portion thereof may have a uniform ornon-uniform thickness throughout of, for example, 1 mm-45 mm. In someinstances, the relative thicknesses of portions of support structure2600 (e.g., lower band 2620 and/or upper band 2615) may have differentthicknesses (e.g., 1.5 mm, 1.7 mm, 31.7 mm, etc.) and the thickness ofportions of support structure 2600 may be proportional to the overallsize of support structure 2600 and/or system 3100.

As shown in FIG. 31B, second extension 105 and a corresponding portionof casing 2700 may extend beyond a wearer's breast to wrap around a sideportion of the wearer's torso (i.e., under the wearer's arm). Thus, aportion of the weight of a wearer's breast may be repositioned to theside of a wearer.

FIGS. 32A and 32B provide a front plan view and a side view,respectively, of an exemplary system 3200. System 3200 includes anotherexemplary support structure 3210 and a casing like casing 2700. FIGS.32A and 32B show how support structure 3210 aligns with casing 2700 andvarious features thereof, such as indentation line 2710, indentationline 2710, end-of-indentation line 2720, upper edge 2725, apex 2730,lower edge 2735, inside edge 2740, volumetric cup 2745, outer edge 2750,under-bust band 2755, and apex of the curvature of the upper edge 2760.

Support structure 3210 includes an intermammary-cleft portion 3240 thatmay be configured in a manner, and serve a purpose, similar tointermammary-cleft portion 210. An under-bust band 3225 is coupled to,and extends outward from, intermammary-cleft portion 3240 along thelower edge of support structure 3210.

A panel 3235 is adjacent, and coupled to, intermammary-cleft portion2340 and extends outward therefrom in a direction similar to under-bustband 3225. Panel 3235 also extends upward from under-bust band 3225 and,an upper edge of panel 3235 forms a portion of an upper edge of supportstructure 2600. Panel 3235 may be adapted to reposition breast volumeinto a preferred shape. In some embodiments, panel 3235 also providestructural support for breast tissue positioned therein.

Support structure 2600 includes a first band 3215 and a second band 3220that extend from the side of panel 3235 not coincident withintermammary-cleft portion 3240 to a wrap-around portion 3245. Firstband 3215 is positioned above second band 3220 and is connected tosecond band 3220 via a coupler 3230. As first band 3215 extends frompanel 3235, it's direction is angled upward at an angle of approximately30-75° relative to the Y-axis for approximately 1.5 to 5 cm (dependingon a size of support structure 3210) after which first band 3215 changesdirection and extends approximately parallel to the X-axis forapproximately 1.5 cm to 8 cm until it connects with wrap-around portion3245. The overall curvature of second band 3220 approximates the shapeof the fold line 1010 as the second band 3230 extends fromintermammary-cleft portion 3240 to wrap around portion 3245. In mostinstances, second band 3230 is configured to sit at, or near, fold time1010.

First band 3215 is joined with second band 3220 via a connector 3230which extends from first band 3215 at an angle of between approximately20-70° relative to first band 3215. The path of first band 3215, secondband 3220, and connector 3230 defines an outline for a first open space3250 and a second open space 3255. The path between second band 3220 andunder-bust band 3225 defines a third open space 3260. More specifically,a first portion of a lower edge of first band 3215, a second portion ofan upper edge of second band 3220, and an inside edge of connector 3220defines a size and shape of first open space 3250; a second portion ofthe lower edge of first band 3215, a second portion of an upper edge ofsecond band 3220, and an outside edge of connector 3220 defines a sizeand shape of second open space 3250; and an upper edge of under-bustband 3225 and a lower edge of first band 2315 defines a size and shapeof third open space 3220.

First, second, and third open spaces 3250, 3255, and 3260 may, in someinstances, be empty (i.e., not include material used to manufacturesupport structure of 3210 and/or casing 2700). In other instances,first, second, and third open spaces 3250, 3255, and 3260 may definespaces that differ in one or more ways (e.g., type of material,thickness of material, manner of manufacturing material) from first band3215, second band 3220, and/or under-bust band 3225.

In some instances, a width and/or thickness of one or more of first band3215, second band 3220, under-bust band 3225, connector 3230,intermammary-cleft portion 3240, panel 3235, and/or wrap-around portion3245 may be uniform throughout and/or relative to one another. While inother instances, a width and/or thickness of one or more of first band3215, second band 3220, under-bust band 3225, connector 3230,intermammary-cleft portion 3240, panel 3235, and/or wrap-around portion3245 may be vary relative to itself and/or each other. For example, whenthe entirely of support structure 3210 is of uniform thickness, theneach first band 3215, second band 3220, under-bust band 3225, connector3230, intermammary-cleft portion 3240, panel 3235, and/or wrap-aroundportion 3245 will have uniform thickness of, for example, 0.2-6 mm. Inanother example, first band 3215 may have a thickness of, for example,0.2-2.5 mm, second band 3220 may have a thickness of, for example, 0.4-5mm, under-bust band 3225 may have a thickness of, for example, 0.5-5 mm,connector 3230 may have a thickness of, for example, 0.4-5 mm,intermammary-cleft portion 3240 may have a thickness of, for example,0.5-10 mm, panel 3235 may have a thickness of, for example, 0.3-7 mm,and/or wrap-around portion 3245 may have a thickness of, for example,0.5-10 mm. In another embodiment, a width and/or thickness of one ormore of first band 3215, second band 3220, under-bust band 3225,connector 3230, intermammary-cleft portion 3240, panel 3235, and/orwrap-around portion 3245 may vary along their respective lengths. Forexample, a width of first band 3215, second band 3220, and/or under-bustband 3225 may be larger near a junction with panel 3235 and/orwrap-around portion 3245 so as to, for example, facilitate greaterrigidity in these area(s) and/or greater flexibility (due to thedecreased width) away from these areas.

In some embodiments, support structure 3210 may be made from one or morepiece(s) of material (e.g., plastic or foam) and, in some embodimentsmay include one or more joints, or areas of relatively greaterflexibility. At times, these joints may be placed where differentcomponents (band 3310, under-bust band 3325, intermammary-cleft portion3340, and/or wrap-around portion 3330) of support structure 3310 meetone another.

FIGS. 33A and 33B provide a front plan view and a side view,respectively, of an exemplary system 3300. System 3300 includes anotherexemplary support structure 3310 and a casing like casing 2700. FIGS.33A and 33B show how support structure 3310 aligns with casing 2700 andvarious features thereof, such as indentation line 2710, indentationline 2710, end-of-indentation line 2720, upper edge 2725, apex 2730,lower edge 2735, inside edge 2740, volumetric cup 2745, outer edge 2750,under-bust band 2755, and apex of the curvature of the upper edge 2760.

Support structure 3310 includes an intermammary-cleft portion 3323 thatmay be configured in a manner, and serve a purpose, similar tointermammary-cleft portion 210. An under-bust band 3320 is coupled to,and extends outward from, intermammary-cleft portion 3325 along thelower edge of support structure 3310.

Support structure 3310 includes a band 3305 that extends from anunder-bust band 3320 in an upward direction at an angle of approximately30-75° relative to the Y-axis for approximately 1.5 to 5 cm (dependingon a size of support structure 3310) after which band 3310 changesdirection and extends in a direction approximately parallel to theX-axis for approximately 1.5 cm to 8 cm until it connects withwrap-around portion 3330. Often, a portion of band 3305 extending at theangel from the under-bust band 3325 adjacent to the under-bust band 3320may align, or nearly align, with the apex 2730 of casing 2700.

A lower edge of band 3310 and an upper edge of under-bust band 3320defines a size and shape of an open space 3315, that may, in someinstances, be empty (i.e., not include material used to manufacturesupport structure of 3310 and/or casing 2700). In other instances, openspace 3315 may define spaces that differ in one or more ways (e.g., typeof material, thickness of material, manner of manufacturing material)from support structure 3300, band 3310, under-bust band 3320, and/orwrap-around portion 3330.

Wrap-around portion 3330 includes an upper edge 3335 that is oriented atan angle of approximately −30° to −80° (or 110° to 170°) relative to theouter edge of wrap-around portion. This orientation may facilitateincreased comfort when support structure 3310 is worn by wearer 10because the wrap-around portion 3330 will not push into her torso at, ornear, her under-arm region.

In some instances, a width and/or thickness of one or more of band 3310,under-bust band 3325, intermammary-cleft portion 3340, and/orwrap-around portion 3330 may be uniform throughout and/or relative toone another. While in other instances, a width and/or thickness of oneor more of band 3310, under-bust band 3325, intermammary-cleft portion3340, and/or wrap-around portion 3330 may vary relative to itself and/oreach other. For example, when the entirely of support structure 3310 isof uniform thickness, then each of band 3310, under-bust band 3325,intermammary-cleft portion 3340, and/or wrap-around portion 3330 willhave uniform thickness of, for example, 0.2-6 mm. In another example,band 3310 may have a thickness of, for example, 0.2-2.5 mm, under-bustband 3325 may have a thickness of, for example, 0.2-10 mm,intermammary-cleft portion 3340 may have a thickness of, for example,0.5-10 mm, and/or wrap-around portion 3330 may have a thickness of, forexample, 0.5-10 mm. In another embodiment, a width and/or thickness ofone or more of band 3310, under-bust band 3325, intermammary-cleftportion 3340, and/or wrap-around portion 3330 may vary along theirrespective lengths. For example, a width of band 3310, under-bust band3325, and/or wrap-around portion 3330 may be larger near a junction ofband 3310 and/or under-bust band 3325 with intermammary-cleft portion3340 and/or wrap-around portion 3330 so as to, for example, facilitategreater rigidity in these area(s) and/or greater flexibility (due to thedecreased width) away from these areas.

In some embodiments, support structure 3310 may be made from one or morepiece(s) of material (e.g., plastic or foam) and, in some embodimentsmay include one or more joints, or areas of relatively greaterflexibility. At times, these joints may be placed where differentcomponents (band 3310, under-bust band 3325, intermammary-cleft portion3340, and/or wrap-around portion 3330) of support structure meet oneanother.

As shown in FIGS. 26A-26C, 32A, 32B, 33A, and 33B each of the supportstructures 2600, 3210, 3310, respectively, are shaped so as to have anarc-like shape along the lower edge of the respective supportstructure/under-bust band much like arc 1475. When viewed from above orbelow an overall shape of support structures 2600, 3210, 3310demonstrates that they conform to this arc-like shape in a mannersimilar to support structure 1800 so that they curve around a front andside of wearer's torso when worn in a manner similar to the way supportstructure curves around wearer 10 as shown in FIGS. 19A-20C.

The frames and/or support structure disclosed herein may be encased,enclosed, and/or covered with one or more casings or portions thereofand, in many embodiments, features of a casing may correspond withand/or align to a frame and/or support structure encased/includedtherein. In some instances, a casing acts to provide a full volumetriccup for a breast cup of a bra or similar garment. A casing describedherein may serve to increase the comfort of wearing a frame, such asframe 1400, a support structure such as support structure(s) 1605, 1606,1800, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 3200, and/or 3300 bysurrounding the frame and/or support structure with softer, moreflexible, materials because the material comprising casing willtypically be more flexible than the material of a frame or supportstructure housed therein. The casings disclosed herein may also providea smooth silhouette when worn under another garment (e.g., shirt ordress). The casing may be included in a garment, such as a dress,blouse, bathing suit, or camisole and, in other instances the casing maybe housed in a brassiere or bustier.

The casings disclosed herein may be made from any appropriate materialincluding, but not limited to, plastic, foam, fabric, rubber, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, a casing may be made fromthermoset plastics, thermoplastics, polyurethane foam, viscoelasticfoam, latex foam, under-bust bander foam, open cell foam, closed cellfoam, Evlon foam, microfiber fabrics, natural fiber fabrics, syntheticfabrics, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a thicknessof a casing may be uniform throughout the casing and, in otherembodiments, a thickness of a casing may vary in different parts of thecasing. For example, a casing may be thicker in areas where greaterrigidity/support is desired and may be thinner in areas where greaterflexibility/less support is desired. For instance, a material making upa region of a casing positioned underneath a breast cup may be thickerthat the material making up a region of the casing at the top of thebreast cup. A typical range of thickness of material for a casing 2700is 0.5 mm-20 mm.

Although casings disclosed herein comprise a single piece, this need notbe the case. For example, a casing may include two or more pieces thatare coupled together via, for example, a flexible or rigid bond inducedvia, for example, a chemical or mechanical bonding process. In someinstances, joints between two or more pieces that make up a casing maybe flexible and, in the casings disclosed herein may be a solidstructure (e.g., no holes, or openings) or may have openings or holesplaced throughout. These holes or openings may be made by, for example,punching, cutting, and/or stamping out material and/or may be part ofthe manufacturing process using, for example, 3D printing or the overlayof materials to create perforations or openings. The openings may serveto increase, for example, the flexibility and/or breathability of thecasing and/or decrease its weight. This variation in thickness may beconfigured to provide flexibility to, for example, support structure1800, under-bust band 1430, and/or volumetric cup portion 1810 and, insome instances, may be configured accommodate a change in breast sizeand/or volume by, for example, expanding and/or contracting. Anotherexample may be multiple joints throughout frame 1400 or volumetric cupportion 1810 in varying thickness to allow for additional flexibility.

A frame and/or support structure such as frame 1400 and/or supportstructure(s) 1800 and/or 2600 may be affixed to, encased, or otherwisecoupled with a casing via any appropriate means including, but notlimited to, a flexible or rigid bond induced via, for example, sewingand/or a chemical or mechanical bonding process and/or inserting theframe or support structure into a pocket or opening in the casing andthen closing the pocket (via, e.g., sewing, heat bonding, etc.). In someinstances, the frame, support structure, and/or casing may be printedusing 3D printing techniques as separate components and then assembledand, in other instances, the frame, support structure, and/or casing2700 may be simultaneously printed as one piece or interlocking piecesvia, for example, a 3D printing process.

In some embodiments, a casing, and/or frame or support structureincluded therein may be rigid enough to be self-supporting (i.e.,maintain its shape without the application of an external force) yet maybe flexible enough to bend or flex upon application by an outside forceas may be applied when wearer puts on, or takes off, a garment includingthe respective casing, frame, and/or support structure. In some cases,an outside force may be applied and/or maintained by a housing for thecasing, frame, and/or support structure may act to abut, or otherwiseconform, the casing, frame, and/or support structure to a wearer's torso20. In these cases, the overall shape of casing, frame, and/or supportstructure will remain the same as when the garment is not being worn(i.e., the external force is not applied) with the exception of, forexample, the radius of curvature of the lower edge of casing, frame,and/or support structure which may be adjusted by the force so as tofacilitate application or removal of casing, frame, and/or supportstructure from a wearer and/or facilitate maintain a position of casing,frame, and/or support structure when worn. The rigidity of the casing,frame, and/or support structure may assist with distributing weight fromthe wearer's breasts 15 to the wearer's torso 20 and prevent collapse ofthe casing, frame, and/or support structure under the weight of thewearer's breasts 15.

It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that some of theframe, support structure, and/or casing features described above withregard to a particular embodiment may be used in other embodimentsdescribed herein. For example, bands 2110, 2210, 2310, and/or 2510 mayshare certain characteristics and, in some instances, may be fully, orpartially, interchangeable with one another in different embodiments.Additionally, or alternatively, the patterned mesh used in supportstructures 2100, 2200, and/or 2300 may share certain characteristicsand, in some instances, may be fully, or partially, interchangeable withone another in different embodiments. Moreover, in some embodiments oneor more of frame 1400, support structures 1605, 1606, 1800, 2100, 2200,2300, and/or 2400 may be solid (e.g., no perforations) in form.

In some instances, support structures 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and/or2500 may share characteristics (e.g., shape, form, material, function,etc.) with features of support structure 1800. For example, structuralelements 2120, 2220, 2320, 2340, and/or 2350 may, in some instances,resemble under-bust band(s) 1430 and/or 2755 in form and function andside extensions 2125, 2225, 2325, 2425, and/or 2555 may in someinstances, resemble wrap-around portion 1425.

Additionally, or alternatively, support structures 2100, 2200, 2300,2400, and/or 2500 may share characteristics (e.g., shape, form,material, function, etc.) with features of support structures 2600, 3210and 3310 as discussed below with regard to FIGS. 26, 32 and 33,respectively. For example, structural elements 2120, 2220, 2320, 2340,and/or 2350 may, in some instances, resemble lower band 2620, under-bustband 3225, and/or under-bust band 3320 and side extensions 2125, 2225,2325, 2425, and/or 2555 may in some instances, resemble wrap-aroundextension 2625, wrap-around portion 3245, and/or wrap-around portion3330 as discussed below with regard to FIGS. 26, 32, and 33,respectively.

Additionally, or alternatively, an overall shape of support structures2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and/or 2500 as may be seen in FIGS. 21A-25Band/or when, for example, viewed from above or below is that of an arclike arc 1475. More specifically, a shape of a lower edge of structuralelement 2120, structural element 2220, structural element 2320,under-bust band 2420, and/or under-bust band 2550 may have a radius ofcurvature similar to arc 1475.

In some instances, support structure(s) 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and/or2500 may be partially, or wholly, housed within a housing like housing3400, as discussed below with regard to FIGS. 34A-34H. Exemplaryhousings may be made from, for example, fabric, foam, leather, plastic,nylon, rayon, LYCRA™, elastic, latex, biocompatible materials andcombinations thereof.

The frames, support structures, and/or casings disclosed herein may alsobe flexible so that they may bend, or flex, (via, for example,application of pressure or force by a housing in which a frame and/orcasing is housed) when worn so as to abut and conform to the wearer'storso. Conformance of the frames, support structures, casings, and/orhousings disclosed herein may be assisted by the application of externalforce from, for example, a wearer and/or housing. The contoured shape ofarc 1475 and/or a portion thereof (particularly in the X-Z plane on aCartesian axis when the frame, support structure, and/or casing is heldin an upright orientation) may act to support a wearer's breast weightand redistribute weight from a wearer's breast to her torso or rib cage.The arc may be self-supporting in that it has and maintains its arcshape without application of external force. This is in contrast to atraditional under-wire type of bra that surrounds a perimeter (front,sides and bottom) of breast tissue, which facilitates pulling the breasttissue upwards and supporting that weight by hanging from the wearer'sshoulders and does not have this arc shape.

In some instances, a size, shape, thickness, width, and/or material usedto make a frame, support structure, and/or casing disclosed herein maybe responsive to, for example, a type of garment (e.g., sports bra,bathing suit, compression bra, etc.) in which the frame and/or casingwill be included) and/or physical characteristics of a wearer (e.g.,body size, shape, body mass index (BMI), mass, relative positioning ofbody features, breast size) who will wear same. For instance, in someembodiments, the shape, thickness, and/or width of a frame, supportstructure, casing, and/or a portion thereof, may be responsive to avolume and/or mass of a wearer's breast. For example, when a wearer hasa breast mass of 6 pounds per breast then, a thickness and/or size offrame 1400, support structure(s) 1605, 1606, 1800, 2100, 2200, 2300,2400, 2500, 2600, 3200, and/or 3300 and/or casing 2700 and/or 2800 maybe greater than a thickness for a for a wearer that has a breast weightof 1.5 pounds per breast. Additionally, or alternatively, a material, ormaterials, used to manufacture a frame and/or casing may be responsiveto the mass and/or volume of the wearer and/or her wearer breasts. Forexample, a material with a higher durability rating may be used tomanufacture a frame, support structure, or casing disclosed herein for awearer with a breast weight of 6 pounds per breast than for a wearerwith a breast weight of 1.5 pounds per breast.

Additionally, or alternatively, materials may be layered to create aframe, support structure, and/or casing disclosed herein and a number oflayers, positioning of layers, shape or size of layers, and/or materialsused to manufacture the layers may be responsive to a wearer's size(e.g., second sizing convention size) and/or a type of garment (e.g.,sports bra, bathing suit, compression bra, etc.) in which the frameand/or casing will be included and/or the desired look, durability, orflexibility of the material. Materials may also be layered to create aframe, support structure, casing, and/or housing disclosed hereinresponsively physical characteristics of a wearer (e.g., body size, bodyshape, body mass index (BMI) relative positioning of body features,breast size). For example, a frame or casing disclosed herein made for awearer with a breast weight of 6 pounds per breast may include morelayers of material and/or layers of different materials than frame orcasing disclosed herein made for a wearer with a breast weight of 1.5pounds per breast. Additionally, or alternatively, a frame, supportstructure, and/or casing may include more layers if it is adapted forinclusion in a garment designed to offer more breast weight support(e.g., a compression bra) than when it is adapted for inclusion in agarment designed to offer relatively less support for breast weight(e.g., a camisole). In some instances, more layers may be used in themanufacturing of a frame and/or casing disclosed herein so as todecrease and/or spread out the compression of the wearer's underlyingskin or tissue when she is wearing a garment including the frames and/orcasings disclosed herein. For instance, when a wearer has a high BMIthen, any compression by a bra into her tissue may cause undesiredrepositioning of the surrounding tissue (e.g., create fat bulges orlines) that may be visible (even when wearing a garment on top of thebra). Use of multiple layers in the frame and/or casing, arranged in amanner to gradually increase the compression of the wearer's tissue,and/or an arrangement of layers in the frame and/or casing adapted tospread the footprint of the compressive force on the wearer's tissuecaused by the garment including the frame or casing over a greatersurface area may serve to reduce and, in some cases, eliminate thiseffect.

In some embodiments, a size, shape, thickness, and/or width of frames,support structures, and/or casings disclosed herein may be dependent ona positioning of the wearer's breasts and/or an inframammary fold on thewearer's torso. For example, if a wearer's breasts are positioned suchthan the wearer's inframammary fold sits further above second horizontalreference line 40 than is typical then, a curvature of under-bust bandupper edge 1440, volumetric cup portion 1810, arc 1475, and/or wraparound portion 1445 (and/or corresponding portions of a casing orhousing) may be adapted to accommodate, for example, the relativedistance between the inframammary fold and the wearer's axilla and/or acurvature of the wearer's torso at that point. In this instance, otherfeatures of a frame, support structure, and/or casing described hereinmay also be adjusted to accommodate the relative proximity of thewearer's axilla to her inframammary fold. For example, dimensions ofwrap-around portion 1445, a relative angle between wrap-around portionouter edge 1450 and wrap-around portion upper edge 1460 and/or aposition of peak 1465 may be adapted so that wrap-around portion upperedge 1460 does not coincide with the sensitive under-arm region of thewearer, which is of particular concern because the frame, casing, and/orgarment may sit higher on this wearer than on the typical wearer.

In some embodiments, a shape, curvature, and/or width, and/or thicknessof the frames, casings, and/or support structures disclosed herein maycooperate with one another to provide a system for redistribution ofbreast weight to the torso, or rib cage, of a wearer without, in someinstances, support from the shoulder by use of a cantilever projectionsupported by a frame.

In some embodiments, a wearer may be sized for a garment that includescasing 2700 by measuring the dimensions of the wearer's torso at, ornear, the wearer's inframammary fold using, for example, processes 200,300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and/or 1100 as described above.Measured dimensions may include, for example, direct, manualmeasurements of the wearer's body (e.g., a manual measurement of acircumference of the wearer's torso) and/or measurements taken from animage or scan of the wearer's body. In some cases, a 3D image or scan(i.e., a series of images of the wearer from different angles, which mayinclude a 360° scan of the wearer's torso) may be taken of the wearer'storso and various measurements of the dimensions of the wearer may becalculated therefrom. For example, a 360° 3D scan of the wearer's torsomay be used to generate one or more ellipse-like shapes that mayapproximate the cross-sectional dimensions of the wearer's torso atvarious points along sagittal plane center midline 25 along a plane thatis perpendicular to sagittal plane center midline 25.

In some embodiments, the frames, support structures, and/or casingsdescribed herein may be self-supporting so that they maintain theirrespective shapes without application of external force. This may beachieved by, for example, use of materials for the frames, supportstructures, and/or casings that are of sufficient rigidity to maintaintheir respective shapes without the application of an external force. Insome circumstances, the frames and/or casings described herein may besufficiently flexible so as to be deformed via the application of forceso as to abut the torso/body of a wearer. The external force may beapplied by, for example, the wearer when she wraps a garment including aframe, support structure, and/or casing around her torso and activatesone or more closure mechanisms (e.g., hooks, straps, etc.) to fasten thegarment in place.

FIGS. 34A-34F provide images of an exemplary housing 3400 for housing acasing, like casing 2700, and/or a system like system 2900 which may beencasing a support structure, like support structure 1605, 1606, 1800,2100, 2200, 2300, 2500, 2600, 3200, and/or 3300 and/or a frame likeframe 1400. More particularly, FIG. 34A provides a front plan view ofhousing 3400, FIG. 34B provides a side perspective view of housing 3400,FIG. 34C provides a side view of an outside of housing 3400, FIG. 34Dprovides a side plan view of an inside of a housing 3400 when open, FIG.34E provides a top plan view of portion of housing 3400 when open, FIG.34F provides a rear perspective view of housing 3400, FIG. 34G providesanother rear perspective view of housing 3400, and FIG. 34H provides atop plan view of housing 3400.

In some embodiments, housing 3400 forms the exterior and interiorsurfaces of a front-closure bra and is configured to be worn by a wearerlike wearer 10 over her breasts, such as breasts 15A and 15B. Moreparticularly, housing 3400 has a first side configured to be worn on awearer's first front side 60 and a second side configured to be worn onthe wearer's second front side 65. In other embodiments, housing 3400includes a first and second casing 2700 or 2800 and/or system 2900joined by a closure mechanism 3470 and a back band 3475. In thisembodiment, the first and second casing correspond to/are housed withina first and second side of housing 3400.

In one embodiment, housing 3400 includes a first side 3480 and a secondside 3485, each of which include an intermammary-cleft portion 3405, anindentation line 3410 (which may be referred to herein as a volumetriccup demarcation line), a wrap-around portion 3415, an end-of-indentationline 3420, an upper edge 3425, an apex 3430, a lower edge 3435, aninside edge 3440, a volumetric cup 3445, an outer edge 3450, anunder-bust band 3455, and an apex of the curvature of the upper edge3460. The intermammary-cleft portion 3405, an indentation line 3410, awrap-around portion 3415, an end-of-indentation line 3420, an upper edge3425, an apex 3430, a lower edge 3435, an inside edge 3440, a volumetriccup 3445, an outer edge 3450, an under-bust band 3455, and an apex ofthe curvature of the upper edge 3460 of the first side 3480 areconfigured to be worn on the wearer's first front side 60 and theintermammary-cleft portion 3405, an indentation line 3410, a wrap-aroundportion 3415, an end-of-indentation line 3420, an upper edge 3425, anapex 3430, a lower edge 3435, an inside edge 3440, a volumetric cup3445, an outer edge 3450, an under-bust band 3455, and an apex of thecurvature of the upper edge 3460 of the second side 3485 are configuredto be worn on the wearer's second front side 65. In most instances, thefeatures of first side 3480 and second side 3485 will be symmetricalmirror images of one another. However, in some instances one or moredimensions of a feature of first side 3480 may be different from one ormore dimensions of a corresponding feature of second side 3485 as may bedesired when, for example, wearer 10 has asymmetrical breasts.

The first and second sides 3480 and 3485 of housing 3400 are joinedtogether in the front of housing 3400 (as shown in FIGS. 34A, 34B, 34F,34G, and 34F) by a closure mechanism 3470 and are joined together in theback of housing 3400 by a back band 3475 (as shown in FIGS. 34F, 34G,and 34H) to form a garment that encircles a torso, such as torso 20, ofthe wearer when worn. It is expected that the wearer will wrap an openhousing 3400 (i.e., when closure mechanism 3470 is open) around hertorso and then close closure mechanism 3470 to close the bra around hertorso 20 so that it may be worn. When taking the housing 3400 off, it isexpected that the wearer 10 will open, or otherwise, detach closuremechanism 3470 so that it opens housing 3400. In most embodiments,housing 3400 will be strapless although optional straps may be affixedto housing 3400 via, for example, a tab positioned on the interior ofhousing 3400. Additionally, or alternatively, housing 3400 may include apermanently attached strap.

Closure mechanism 3470 may be any mechanism configured to close and openhousing 3400. In some instances, closure mechanism 3470 may beadjustable so that a size of the closure mechanism may change in the X(width) direction and/or Y (length) direction. Exemplary closuremechanisms 3470 include, but are not limited to, clasps, hooks, clips,clamps, and pressure-sensitive closures. In many instances, closuremechanism 3470 will have two sides, and a portion of each of the twosides (e.g., a hook, tab, or loop) will be attached to a respective oneof first side 3480 and second side 3485 at, or near, for example, insideedge 3440.

In some embodiments, housing 3400 may be completely seamless and, inother embodiments, housing 3400 may have a pair of seems, each of whichjoin a side of back band 3475 to an outer edge 3450 of the first andsecond sides 3480 and 3485 as shown in FIGS. 34F, 34G, and 34H. In someinstances, back band 3475 may be flexible or elastic so that it maystretch, expand, and/or move with the wearer when worn although thisneed not always be the case. In some embodiments, back band 3475 may beadjustable by, for example, one or more adjustment mechanisms (notshown) such as hooks, VELCRO™, snaps, etc.

Features of housing 3400, and/or dimensions thereof, may correspondwith, and/or align to, features of a frame and/or support structure,such as frame 1400 and/or support structure(s) 1605, 1606, 1800, 2100,2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 3200, and/or 3300 encased/includedtherein. This correspondence/alignment may include, but is not limitedto, alignment of features (e.g., placement of curves, padding, stitches)and how the housing is shaped or affixed to the casing, frame, and/orsupport structure. For example, inframammary cleft portion 3405 maycorrespond to/align with inframammary cleft portion 1410; indentationline 3410 may correspond to/align with upper edge of under-bust band1430 and/or indentation line 2710; wrap-around portion 3415 maycorrespond to/align with wrap-around portion 1445 and/or 2715;end-of-indentation line 3420 may correspond to/align withwrap-around-portion reference line 1470 and/or end-of-indentation line1820; upper edge 3425 may correspond to/align with first curved upperedge 1815, second curved upper edge 1820, and/or upper edge 2725; apex3430 may correspond to/align with apex 2730; lower edge 3435 maycorrespond to/align with inframammary cleft portion lower edge 1425,under-bust band lower edge 1435, wrap-around portion lower edge 1455,and/or lower edge 2735; inside edge 3440 may correspond to/align withinside edge 1420 and/or inside edge 2740; volumetric cup 3445 maycorrespond to/align with volumetric cup portion 1810 and/or volumetriccup 2745; outer edge 3450 may correspond to/align with wrap-aroundportion outside edge 1450 and/or outer edge 2750; under-bust band 3455may correspond to/align with under-bust band 1430 and/or under-bust band1855; and/or apex of the curvature of the upper edge 3460 may correspondto/align with apex of the curvature of the upper edge 2760.

When housing 3400 is held in an upright position (as shown in, forexample, FIG. 34A), an inter-breast distance 3462 between first side3480 and second side 3485 may be seen. The inter-breast distance 3465corresponds to a distance between the breasts of the wearer. In someembodiments, the magnitude of the inter-breast distance 3465 may beadjustable via, for example, adjustability of the closure mechanism 3470and/or back band 3475.

As illustrated in FIGS. 34A and 34B, under-bust band 3455 isconfigured/adapted to be oriented in a manner substantiallyperpendicular to a sagittal plane center midline of a wearer, such assagittal plane center midline 25 of wearer 10. Under-bust band 3455extends from the inside edge 3440 along the lower edge of housing 3400underneath indentation line 3410 until end-of-indentation line 3420.

As illustrated in FIGS. 34C and 34D, wrap-around portion 3415 may beginat, or near, end-of-indentation line 3420 and extend away fromvolumetric cup 3445 toward outside edge 3450 thereby forming wrap-aroundportion 3415. The size and shape of wrap-around portion 3415 may mimicthe size and shape of an encased frame's and/or support structure'swrap-around portion as noted above. End-of-indentation line 3420 is avertical reference line superimposed on the depictions of housing 3400shown in of FIG. 34C to indicate where indentation line 3410 ends but isnot present on housing 3400.

Volumetric cup 3445 may have similar characteristics to volumetric cupportion 1810 and may be designed to contain and/or cover, for example,25%, 50%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95% and/or 340% of a wearer's breast insertedtherein. An amount of breast volume contained by volumetric cup 3445 maybe dependent upon the overall size and/or shape of volumetric cup 3445which, in turn, may be based upon a shape or curvature of upper edge3425 as well as a distance between an apex 3430 and under-bust band3455.

Volumetric cup 3445 may have an apex 3430, which corresponds to an outermost point of a volumetric spherical-like shape of volumetric cup 3445and a positioning of apex 3430 may correspond with a desired apex of thewearer's breast tissue when she is wearing housing 3400, which in someinstances, may correspond with a position of a wearer's nipple (when thewearer's breast is repositioned within the volumetric cup 3445). In theembodiment of FIGS. 34A-34H, the upper edge 3425 of housing 3400 iscurved so that a position of apex 3430 of the volumetric cup along theY-axis approximately corresponds with an apex of the curvature of theupper edge 3460 along the Y-axis.

FIG. 34C provides a side view of housing 3400 that illustrates how theupper edge of the volumetric cup 3445 tapers down to form the upper edgeof the wrap-around extension 3215. FIG. 34C also illustrates an upwardcurvature of the lower edge 3435 so that it tapers upward as itapproaches outer edge 3450. This shape of the upper edge of thevolumetric cup 3445 and/or lower edge of the volumetric cup 3445 mayserve to support breast tissue from the side when worn while notaligning with the wearer's sensitive armpit region. In this way, housing3400 is not expected to press into the wearer's skin under her arm oralong the side of her body under her arm.

FIG. 34C also shows a joint between outer edge 3450 of first side 3480and back band 3475. In some embodiments, this joint may be positioned atan angle relative to the lower edge of wrap-around portion 3415. In someembodiments, an adjustment mechanism (e.g., hook/eye, strap, etc.) forback band 3475 may be positioned at, or near, this joint. In someinstances, the joint may be made with flexible material, such as elasticor a mesh. FIG. 34C also illustrates the intersection ofend-of-indentation line 3420 and indentation line 3410. It should benoted that any variation in the line for indentation line 3410 drawn onany of FIGS. 34A-34H is not part of the invention as the trajectory ofindentation line 3410 is intended to be smooth.

FIGS. 34F and 34G provide two different rear perspective views ofhousing 3400 and show the outside of back band 3475 and an inside of aportion of first side 3480 and second side 3485. FIGS. 34F and 34G showa smooth transition between volumetric cup 3445 and wrap-around portion3415 on the interior of housing. The interior of housing 3400 mayinclude a layer of foam (e.g., memory foam) or other material thatinterfaces between the frame or support structure and the outer layer offabric seen in FIGS. 34F and 34G. The foam or other material may be ofuniform or non-uniform thickness throughout and, in some instances maycover the entire inner (or outer) surface of the frame or supportstructure or only a portion thereof. In some instances, the foam orother material may be concentrated at, or near, an interior of housing3400 at indentation line 3410. FIG. 34G also shows closure mechanism3470 in an open state so that only a covering (or male) 3490 of closuremechanism 3470 is shown. A tab 3495, or female portion of closuremechanism 3470, is shown in FIG. 34H. Closure mechanism 3470 may beclosed when tab 3495 is inserted into covering 3490. At times, feedbackregarding a secure closure of closure mechanism 3470 may be provided tothe wearer via an auditory or manual sound or clicking sensationindicating when tab 3495 is properly seated in covering 3490. Likewise,closure mechanism may be opened when tab 3495 is separated from covering3490.

FIG. 34E provides a top-side view of housing 3400 which shows acurvature of the lower edge of housing 3400, and of housing 3400 ingeneral. The curvature may mimic, or approximate, curvature of arc 1475.As may be seen in FIG. 34E, as well as FIGS. 34F and 34G, a curvature ofhousing 3400 as a whole as well as housing's 3400 lower edge, under-bustband 3455, and wrap-around portion 3415 may approximate a curvature of awearer's torso 20 at, or near, her inframammary fold.

Volumetric cup 3445 may be a cantilever projection with a lower edgethat may be positioned in a manner that corresponds with indentationline 3410 so that the interior lower edge of volumetric cup 3445 alignswith/corresponds to the exterior lower edge volumetric cup 3445. Inother embodiments, the lower interior edge of volumetric cup 3445 may bepositioned in a manner that does not correspond to/align withindentation line 3410 the exterior lower edge of volumetric cup 3445.For example, in some instances, the interior lower edge of volumetriccup 3445 may be positioned higher than indentation line 3410 as may bedesired when, for example, pushing breast tissue upward. In otherinstances, the interior lower edge of volumetric cup 3445 may bepositioned lower than indentation line 3410 as may be desired when, forexample, positioning breast tissue downward.

In many cases, the ridge line, or edge, of the interior lower edge ofvolumetric cup 3445 may be most pronounced underneath the volumetric cup3445 at, or near, a portion of volumetric cup that aligns with anintersection of a vertical reference line (not shown) passing throughapex 3430 and the interior lower edge of volumetric cup 3445. As theinterior lower edge of volumetric cup 3445 progresses away from thisintersection (i.e., toward wrap-around portion 3415).

One or more characteristics (e.g., size, shape, thickness, materialused, perforation pattern, width, etc.) of the features of frame 1400,support structures 1605, 1606, 1800, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600,3200, and/or 3300, and/or housing 3400 may be determined via executionof one or more of processes 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900,1000, and/or 1100 as described above with regard to FIGS. 2A-11,respectively. For example, information received from a wearer and/oruser via execution of one or more of these processes may be used todetermine a dimension of feature of frame 1400, support structures 1605,1606, 1800, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 3200, and/or 3300,casing 2700 and/or 2800, and/or housing 3400 and/or to match wearer 10with an appropriately sized (according to, for example, the secondsizing convention) frame, support structure, casing and/or housing.

The frames, support structures, casings, and/or housings disclosedherein and/or a portion thereof may, in some instances, provide acantilever projection that extends outward from a portion of an upperedge of the frame and/or an under-bust portion of an under-bust band.The cantilevered projection may be shaped, sized, and positioned so asto accept a portion of a wearer's breast when worn. In some cases, awidth of the cantilever projection may larger on a first side (e.g.,near the intermammary cleft portion) of the cantilever projection than awidth of the cantilever projection on a second side (e.g., near thewrap-around portion) of the cantilever projection. In some instances, ashape (e.g., a lower edge (e.g., where the cantilever projection meetsan under-bust band)) of the cantilever projection may approximate ashape and/or size of the wearer's inframammary fold as may be, forexample, determined by the wearer's second sizing convention size.

Dimensions of the frames, support structures, casings, and/or housingsdisclosed herein may, in some instances, be dictated by and/orassociated with one or more sizes of the second sizing conventiondiscussed herein. In some cases, one or more aspects, features, and/ordimensions of frames, support structures, casings, and/or housingsdisclosed herein may be determined by one or more of the process(es)200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 and/or a portionthereof discussed above.

Turning now to FIGS. 35A-35C illustrate various views of anotherexemplary support structure 3500 and/or set of support structures 3500with downward extending projections. More specifically, FIG. 35Aprovides a first side perspective view of a set of support structures3500, FIG. 35B provides a first side perspective view of the set ofsupport structures 3500, and FIG. 35C provides a side perspective viewof one of the support structures 3500. In some embodiments, supportstructure 3500 may be encased in a casing like casing 2700 and/or 2800and/or housed in a housing like housing 3400.

Support structure 3500 includes an upper band 3505 that extends betweenan interior edge 3510 and an upper portion of an outside projection3530. A plurality of projections 3520A-3520E extend downward from upperband 3505. In some embodiments, upper band 3503 may be configured tocorrespond with an apex of a wearer's breast 15 along, for example,horizontal reference line 40 when worn. Upper band 3505 and theplurality of projections 3520A-3520E may, in some instances, cooperatewith one another to form a shape approximating a lower half of asemi-sphere and, in some instances, may be similar in form and/orfunction to volumetric cup portion 1810. The sphere-like shape of upperband 3505 and the plurality of projections 3520A-3520E, when consideredin combination, may be achieved by a curve, or arc, shape of the upperband 3505 that is arced or curved in the −Z direction on either side ofan upper band apex 3540 as shown in FIGS. 35A-35C. The sphere-like shapeof upper band 3505 and the plurality of projections 3520A-3520E may befurther achieved by a contouring, or curvature, of one or more of theplurality of projections 3520A-3520E along a surface thereof forming aninterior surface of the support structure (i.e., the side of the supportstructure adapted to be coincident with a wearer's breasts when worn)that may be adapted to accept insertion of a wearer's breast therein.

Support structure 3500 also includes a wrap-around extension 3545 thatforms a triangular-like shape with a first leg of the tringle being anoutside projection 3530, a second leg being an inside projection 3525,and a lower edge 3535 that is connected to the bottom of outsideprojection 3530 and inside projection 3525. The upper sides of theinside projection 3525 and outside projection 3530 are connected to oneanother to complete the triangular-like shape. The wrap-around extension3545 provides an anchoring mechanism for support structure 3500 andprovides sufficient rigidity to support the shape of support structure3500 (and therefore a desired breast shape) when bearing the load ofbreast weight inserted therein.

In some embodiments, a shape, or position, of inside projection 3525 mayapproximate a shape of an outer edge of a wearer's breast at, or near,her bust root along her inframammary fold and may be adapted to alignwith this outer edge when worn. In these embodiments, the remainder ofwrap-around extension 3545 may be adapted to align with the wearer'storso near the outside of her breast.

Support structure 3500 includes five projections 3520A-3520E that extenddownward from upper band 3505. Projections 3520A-3520E of supportstructure 3501 vary in size and shape when compared with one anotheralthough this need not always be the case. In some instances, a shapeand/or size of two or more projections 3520A-3520H may be the same. Theexemplary shape of projection 3520A is that of a slightly curvedvertical line that includes a rounded triangular shape at the bottom(i.e., the portion of projection 3250A furthest from upper band 3505).Projection 3520A also includes a perpendicular line is smaller inmagnitude than the substantially vertical line projection 3520A andintersects the vertical line below its midpoint so that theperpendicular extension extends beyond the vertical line on both sidesthereof.

Projection 3520B has a substantially linear shape that extends downwardaway from upper band 3540 until it ends with a round portion that iswider than the substantially linear portion of projection 3520B. Anexemplary shape of a projection 3520C includes a linear portionextending away from upper band 3540 that is intersected with asubstantially perpendicular line above a midpoint of the linear portionof projection 3520C. Projection 3520C also includes an extension thatextends from a first side of the linear portion of projection 3520C anda round portion that is substantially similar to the round portion ofprojection 3520B positioned at the bottom of projection 3520C. Anexemplary shape of projection 3520D is substantially similar to that ofprojection 3520B except that it is shorter and wider then projection3520B. An exemplary shape of projection 3520E includes a linear portionextending down from upper band 3540 that is intersected at, or above, amidpoint of the linear portion with a substantially perpendicular line.

Although support structure 3500 has five separate projections3520A-3520E, a person of skill in the art will recognize that any numberof projections may be used. Additionally, or alternatively, one or moreof the separate projections 3520A-3520E may be joined to one anothervia, for example, an alternatively shaped projection that joins, forexample, the perpendicular extension of projection 3520E with projection3520D and/or an under-bust band, such as under-bust band 1430 that joinsone or more of projections 3520A-3520E along a lower edge. In someembodiments, one or more of projections 3520A-3520E may be connectedonly to one another (e.g., not connected to upper band 3540.

FIGS. 35D and 35E provide illustrations of alternate embodiments of asupport structure 3501 and 3502, respectively, with downward extendingprojections. Both support structure 3501 and 3502 include a wrap-aroundextension 3545 that includes an outside projection 3530, an insideprojection 3525, and a lower edge 3535 as discussed above with regard toFIGS. 35A-35C. As with support structure 3500, the wrap-around extension3545 of support structures 3501 and 3502 provide an anchoring mechanismfor support structures 3501 and 3502 and provides sufficient rigidity tosupport the shape of support structures 3501 and 3502 (and therefore adesired breast shape) when bearing the load of breast weight insertedtherein. In some embodiments, a shape or position of inside projection3525 may approximate a shape of an outer edge of a wearer's breast at,or near, her bust root along her inframammary fold and may be adapted toalign with this outer edge when worn. In these embodiments, theremainder of wrap-around extension 3545 may be adapted to align with thewearer's torso near the outside of her breast.

Projections 3520A-3520H of support structure 3501 each have a differentshape, although this need not be the case. In some instances, a shape oftwo or more projections 3520A-3520H may be the same. The exemplary shapeof projection 3520A is that of a slightly curved line with a roundedtriangularly-shaped end. Projections 3520B, 3520D, and 3520H are shapedas substantially vertical lines with a rounded triangularly-shaped end.Projections 3520C, 3520E, and 3520G are also shaped as substantiallyvertical lines with a rounded triangularly-shaped end but, projections3520C and 3520E are longer (i.e., extend further away from upper band3505) than projections 3520B and 3520D. Projection 3520E is shaped as anupside down “V” with rounded triangularly-shaped ends.

Projections 3520A-3520E of support structure 3502 are similarly shapedbut have differing lengths. Additionally, the projections 3520A-3520E ofsupport structure 3502 are thinner and occupy less space those ofsupport structure 3501 or 3500. In this way, support structure 3502 maynot be as rigid and/or able to support breast weight as supportstructure(s) 3501 and/or 3500. Projections 3520A-3520C are substantiallylinear in shape with a rounded triangular end and are arrangedsubstantially in parallel with one another in ascending so thatprojection 3520A is the smallest and projection 3520C is the largest.Projections 3520D and 3520E are arranged at an angle to projection 3520Cin a “V” like formation wherein projection 3520D is wider thanprojections 3520A-3520C.

Although support structures 3500, 3501, and 3502 have a plurality ofseparate projections, a person of skill in the art will recognize thatany number of projections may be used. Additionally, or alternatively,one or more of the separate projections may be joined to one anothervia, for example, an alternatively shaped projection that joins, forexample, two or more perpendicular extensions of a projection with oneanother. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the projections3520 may be joined to an under-bust band, such as under-bust band 1430that may be coupled to one or more of projections 3520 along a loweredge. FIGS. 35F and 35G provide examples of support structuresprojections 3501 and 3502, respectively, being connected together with alower band 3550. In some instances, lower band 3550 may be flexible andallow for movement between projections 3520A-3520H of support structure3501 and/or 3520A-3520E of support structure 3501 while, lower band 3550may be rigid and not allow for movement between projections 3520A-3520Hof support structure 3501 and/or 3520A-3520E of support structure 3501.As shown in FIGS. 35F and 35G, lower band 3550 does not extend all theway to in other instances, and In some embodiments, lower band 3550 mayapproximate a shape and/or size of a under-bust band 1430.

In some instances, a curvature of support structure(s) 3500, 3501,and/or 3502 may be similar to arc 1475. Additionally, or alternatively,support structure(s) 3500, 3501, and/or 3502 may be adapted to joinand/or align with a frame, such as frame 1400 and/or a support structurelike support structure 1800 so as to, for example, provide additionalsupport or structural rigidity for same. In most instances, supportstructures 3500, 3501, and 3502 will be encased in a casing like casing2700 and/or 2800. However, in some instances, one or more of supportstructure(s) 3500, 3501, and/or 3502 may be positioned on an exteriorsurface of a casing (e.g., and/or housing (e.g., housing 3400) in amanner similar to an exoskeleton.

Hence, garment or bra frames, support structures, casings, and housingshave been herein disclosed along with methods for determining a wearer'ssize for a bra including frames, support structures, casings, andhousings disclosed herein and how to produce the frames, supportstructures, casings, and housings.

We claim:
 1. A support structure comprising: a frame shaped toapproximate a circumferential curvature of a wearer's torso in ahorizontal plane proximate to an inframammary fold of the wearer; and avolumetric cup portion, the volumetric cup portion extending from anupper edge of the frame as a cantilever projection and being shaped toaccept insertion of a portion of a wearer's breast therein.
 2. Thesupport structure of claim 1, the frame further comprising: anunder-bust portion, an upper edge of the under-bust portion being curvedin a manner approximating a curvature of a wearer's inframammary fold.3. The support structure of claim 1, wherein a portion of an upper edgeof the frame is shaped to approximate a shape of a wearer's inframammaryfold.
 4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein a border between thevolumetric cup portion and the frame is shaped to approximate a shape ofa wearer's inframammary fold.
 5. The support structure of claim 1,wherein a thickness of the volumetric cup portion is greater at a borderbetween the volumetric cup portion and the frame than at an upper edgeof the volumetric cup portion.
 6. The support structure of claim 1,wherein a thickness of the volumetric cup portion is greater on a firstside than on a second side.
 7. The support structure of claim 1, whereinan upper edge of the volumetric cup portion is irregularly shaped. 8.The support structure of claim 1, wherein an upper edge of thevolumetric cup portion includes a first curved upper edge and a secondcurved upper edge.
 9. The support structure of claim 1, wherein aportion of the frame is adapted for positioning under a wearer's breastproximate to the wearer's inframammary fold.
 10. The support structureof claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises: an intermammary-cleftportion adapted to be proximate to an intermammary cleft of a wearerwhen worn by the wearer; an under-bust portion, a first side of theunder-bust portion extending from the intermammary-cleft portion andadapted to be proximate to an under-bust region of the wearer when wornby the wearer; and a wrap-around portion, the wrap-around portionextending from a second side of the under-bust portion and adapted to beproximate to a lateral side of the wearer's torso.
 11. The supportstructure of claim 10, wherein an outer edge of the wrap-around portionis adapted to be proximate to a side vertical midline of the wearer whenworn by the wearer, the side vertical midline extending through a centerof the wearer's torso as viewed from the side and bisecting an anteriorand a posterior of the wearer.
 12. The support structure of claim 1, theframe further comprising: a wrap-around portion, an outer edge of thewrap-around portion being adapted to correspond to a position on awearer near a vertical midline separating an anterior portion of thewearer from a posterior portion of the wearer.
 13. The support structureof claim 1, the frame further comprising: a wrap-around portion, anouter edge of the wrap-around portion being adapted to correspond to aposterior of a wearer when the frame is worn.
 14. The support structureof claim 1, wherein the support structure is adapted for inclusion in acasing.
 15. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the supportstructure is adapted for inclusion in a casing and the casing is adaptedfor inclusion in a housing.
 16. The support structure of claim 15,wherein a width of the volumetric cup portion is larger on a first sideof the volumetric cup portion than on a second side of the volumetriccup portion.
 17. The support structure of claim 1, wherein a shape ofthe support structure is self-supporting.
 18. A system comprising: asupport structure comprising: a frame shaped to approximate acircumferential curvature of a wearer's torso in a horizontal planeproximate to an inframammary fold of the wearer; and a volumetric cupportion, the volumetric cup portion extending from an upper edge of theframe as a cantilever projection and being shaped to accept insertion ofa portion of a wearer's breast therein; and a casing, the casingencasing the support structure.
 19. The system of claim 18, furthercomprising: a housing adapted to house the casing.
 20. The system ofclaim 18, the casing further comprising: a closure mechanism positionedbetween a first casing and a second casing.